Marcos, first lady embark on state visit to Japan on May 26-29
[Updated April 24, 2026, 10:44 a.m.]
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will embark on a state visit to Japan from May 26 to 29, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Friday.
The First Couple will be received by Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for a welcome ceremony and a state call.
Their Majesties will also host a state banquet in honor of the President and the first lady.
“The President will hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, where the two leaders are expected to discuss the future trajectory of the Philippines-Japan Strengthened Strategic Partnership and continue their recent discussions on current international developments, especially with regard to energy and food security, and maritime security,” it said in a statement.
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“The President is scheduled to meet with Japanese business groups and the members of the Filipino community in Japan, as part of his official engagements during the State Visit,” the PCO also said.
The last state visit by a Philippine president to Japan was by former President Benigno Aquino III in June 2015, while Their Majesties Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko last undertook a state visit to the Philippines in January 2016.
The two countries are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations this year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan made the same announcement on its official website.
“As a result of the visit to Japan by the President and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, it is expected that friendly relations between Japan and the Philippines will be further strengthened,” it read.
Last Wednesday, Palace press officer Claire Castro said Marcos was “considering” the Japanese government’s invitation for a state visit next month.
This came after a Tokyo-based English-language news magazine and website reported that the Japanese government is courting Marcos for a possible state visit as part of Japan’s efforts to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia. /mr
