Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will receive some of Japan’s highest imperial honors during the state visit, marking a milestone in bilateral relations.
In his pre-departure speech on Tuesday, May 26, Marcos said he and the first lady would be recognized by the Japanese imperial family in ceremonies highlighting the strong bilateral ties.
“The first lady and I will have the honor of having an imperial audience with their majesties, the emperor and the empress of Japan,” Marcos said.
He said they would be conferred prestigious Japanese recognitions.
“The first lady and I will also have the honor to be conferred by his majesty the emperor with two of the most prestigious Japanese awards – the first lady with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown, and I, with the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum,” he said.
Marcos said the Philippines would reciprocate the gesture by honoring the Japanese imperial couple.
“In turn, I shall confer upon his majesty the emperor the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo, and her majesty the empress, the Order of Gabriela Silang, both of which are among the highest civilian honors in the Philippines, in recognition of their majesties’ contributions to strengthening Philippines-Japan ties,” he said.
He said the exchange of honors reflects the enduring relationship between the two countries.
The ceremonies form part of Marcos’ four-day state visit to Japan, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Manila and Tokyo.
