PH thanks Japan’s Emperor Akihito for fostering PH-Japan friendship

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) extended its “deepest gratitude” to Japan’s Emperor Akihito who is set to abdicate on Tuesday.

READ: Akihito begins abdication rituals as Japan marks end of era

In a statement, the DFA underscored Akihito’s “invaluable role in advocating peace during his 30-year reign and fostering goodwill and friendship between the Philippines and Japan.”

“His Majesty the Emperor was the first member of the Japanese Imperial Household to visit the Philippines, doing so twice – as Crown Prince in 1962, and as Emperor in 2016,” it added.

LOOK: Japanese imperial couple in 1962 visit to Manila  

READ: Japan’s emperor, empress arrive in Manila for 5-day visit

Akihito and his wife, Empress Michiko, visited the Philippines in 2016 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations.

Further, the DFA extended its “sincerest best wishes for the good health and well-being” of Akihito and Michiko.

“As the Heisei era draws to a close, the Government and people of the Philippines convey their sincerest best wishes for the good health and well-being of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress,” the DFA said.

READ: ‘Golden age’ in PH-Japan ties seen under new emperor

READ: From Heisei to Reiwa: how Japan changed under Emperor Akihito

The Japanese government announced Akihito’s abdication back in 2017, as earlier reported by the Associated Press.

READ: Japan’s Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019 

His elder son Crown Prince Naruhito will be enthroned a day after Akihito formally retires on Tuesday, April 30. /muf