Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have welcomed Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his wife at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between Japan and the Philippines. The presidential couple are on a state visit to Japan. The two arrived at the palace on Wednesday morning.
The Emperor introduced the Crown Prince and Princess Akishino, as well as Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae. Then, a welcome ceremony was held in a palace garden.
After the national anthems of the two countries were played, the president received a salute from the Self-Defense Forces’ guard of honor. Philippine folk music was also performed.
The Emperor and Empress later spoke with the president and his wife.
A banquet hosted by the Emperor and Empress is scheduled to be held at the palace in the evening. Prince Hisahito, the son of the Crown Prince and Princess Akishino, will attend. It will be his first appearance at such an event.
AloJapan.com