President Marcos opens Japan state visit with imperial audience, receives top honors

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened his first state visit to Japan on Wednesday, May 27, with an imperial audience with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

During the morning state call, the President and the First Lady were formally received at the Imperial Palace, where they were also conferred some of Japan’s highest distinctions.

Marcos received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, while the First Lady was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown.

Later in the day, Marcos is set to continue a series of official engagements, including a meeting with the Japan Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League (JPPFL) and a roundtable discussion with Japanese business and industry stakeholders.

He is also expected to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Ayala Group and several Japanese firms. A state banquet for the President and his delegation is scheduled for Wednesday evening.

Marcos is likewise slated to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, where both leaders are expected to discuss expanded cooperation in defense, economic ties, and regional security. The meeting will also include the signing and exchange of key agreements covering trade, investment, security, and maritime cooperation.

The President arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday night for a four-day official visit. Marcos, the First Lady, and the Philippine delegation landed at Haneda International Airport at 6:31 p.m. (Japan time), where he also met members of the Filipino community upon arrival.

The visit comes as the Philippines and Japan mark 70 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations. Marcos has previously traveled to Japan for official visits in Tokyo and Osaka in 2023 and 2025.