Malacañang announces schedule of Japanese emperor, empress in PH

Japan’s Emperor Akihito delivers a speech to well-wishers from a balcony of the Imperial Palace as Empress Michiko listens during New Year’s public appearance in Tokyo, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016. AP FILE PHOTO

Malacañang on Tuesday released the schedule of the emperor and empress of Japan when they visit the Philippines this month.

READ:  Japan’s Emperor, Empress to visit PH in January

“The Philippines is pleased to welcome Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, to a State Visit to the Philippines on 26 to 30 January 2016,” Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

Japanese Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko will arrive in Manila on January 26. They will attend events in Manila on January 27 and 28.

The two royals will then visit Caliraya and Los Baños in Laguna on January 29.

Yumiuri Shimbun earlier reported that the emperor and empress will visit memorial sites of Filipino and Japanese veterans in Laguna.

READ:  Japanese emperor to honor World War II dead in PH

They will leave the country on January 30 to return to Japan.

“Their Majesties’ State Visit is a major highlight and fitting start to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Japan in 2015,” Coloma said.

READ:  Japan’s royals coming to call

Aquino visited Japan last year and was given Japan’s highest honor, the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum. He was given the opportunity to address the National Diet, Japan’s legislative body. IDL