For the Japanese, Duterte is ‘interesting’ not ‘controversial’

President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo from an RTVM video)

TOKYO — President Rodrigo Duterte might be “controversial” in the eyes of the world, but the Japanese see him as simply “interesting.”

According to Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V, “(t)he Japanese are always fascinated with leadership that is recognized, affirmed by their own people, at the same time a tremendous political will insofar as his programs are concerned.”

“So he is not controversial but interesting. [Duterte] is unique for the Japanese,” Laurel added.

Duterte is set to leave the Philippines Tuesday afternoon to attend Nikkei’s 25th International Conference on the Future of Asia in Tokyo on May 31 as keynote speaker. He is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Filipino community during his four-day visit to Japan.

READ: Duterte to embark on 3rd Japan trip this May

Duterte has gained international notoriety for his unconventional leadership style, particularly his brutal war on drugs and anti-criminality campaign.

But the Philippine envoy said “Japanese are also interested in quality leadership that leads the nation.”

Laurel said there are around 285,000 Filipinos in Japan. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)