The Emperor and Empress wave at the public before going inside the plane pic.twitter.com/jEdpkyoo1g
— Kristine Mangunay (@KFMangunay) January 30, 2016
Japanese Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko departed for Japan on Saturday, ending their 5-day state visit in the country.
The Boeing 747-400 jetliner carrying them and other members of the Japanese delegation took off from the Balagbag Ramp at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 12:17 noon.
READ: Aquino, Emperor Akihito talk about Uniqlo, traffic and Japanese cars
Leading the simple send-off ceremonies were President Benigno Aquino III and presidential sister Pinky Abellada. Also present were Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, among others. CDG
Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko wave to bid farewell to the crowd prior to boarding their plane at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay to conclude their five-day state visit to the Philippines Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016. The royal couple paid respects at memorials for both the Philippine and the Japanese war dead. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
READ: Emperor, kin offer flowers for war dead
Plane carrying Emperor and Empress takes off at 12:17 noon pic.twitter.com/J05IvRyGb0
— Kristine Mangunay (@KFMangunay) January 30, 2016