PHILIPPINES: Manila Ready To Receive Japanese Emperor Akihito And Empress Michiko

Malacanang said yesterday it is ready to receive Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in January, 2016.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Japanese Emperor and Empress will be in the country on January 26 to 30.

“The Philippines is pleased to receive Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, to a State Visit to the Philippines from January 26 to 30, 2016,” Lacierda said.

“The State Visit is in response to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s long-standing invitation for Their Majesties to visit the Philippines,” he said.

It will be recalled that the last visit of the Japanese Emperor and Empress to the country was in 1962 when they were still Crown Prince and Princess.

“The State Visit is an auspicious start of the commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2016,” Lacierda said, noting that the visit is expected to further deepen and expand bilateral ties between the Philippines and Japan.

“The Philippine government and the Filipino people look forward to welcoming Their Majesties,” he said.

It will be recalled that President Aquino went to Japan last June 2 to 5 for a State Visit, at the invitation of Emperor Akihito.

During the visit, President Aquino was presented the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, the highest honor awarded to outstanding individuals by the Japanese monarchy.

In return, President Aquino awarded Emperor Akihito the Order of Lakandula with rank of Supremo.