Duterte joins 400 VIPs in Japan emperor’s enthronement rites

President Duterte joins 400 foreign heads of government and dignitaries in witnessing the ceremonial enthronement of new Japanese Emperor Naruhito today, October 22.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President will bring a very lean delegation with him to Tokyo.

“It’s a lean delegation. Leaner than we thought,” he said.

Panelo said the President will be attending the Enthronement Proper as well as the Em

peror’s Banquet. The President was also invited to the Prime Minister’s Banquet on Wednesday.

The President is scheduled to return to the country on Thursday.

Panelo said Duterte’s visit to Japan is important because the Philippines considers Japan as a “special strategic partner in various areas and greatly values the diplomatic ties of the Philippines with it.”

“The golden age of PhilippinesJapan friendship has indeed started to unfold. PRRD, as our Head of State, therefore believes that it is but proper to give honor to an important partner by being present at the enthronement ceremony which is considered by the Japanese to be one of their country’s most momentous events,” he said.

He also said that Japan is the Philippines’ second biggest trading partner and fourth biggest source and market for Philippine tourism.

A total of 26 business agreements with an estimated investment value of $5.511 billion projected to create 82,737 jobs in the country were signed during President Duterte’s last working visit to Tokyo in May.

“The signing of these business agreements clearly shows Japan’s vote of confidence in our President’s method of governance, as well as in our country’s economic prospects at present,” Panelo said.

Panelo also lauded Japan as the largest Official Development Assistance (ODA) provider to the Philippines.

“It has contributed to our infrastructure development, which includes utilizing Japanese technology and expertise to support the country’s first subway project which was inaugurated under PRRD’s leadership. In addition, Japan has generously assisted our government in the latter’s peace and development efforts in Mindanao, such as the rehabilitation of Marawi,” he said.

According to Nikkei Asian Review, the Enthronement ceremony will be held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo at 1 p.m. and will last for about 30 minutes. A total of 2,000 attendees from inside and outside Japan were invited.

Nikkei also said that guests from over 190 countries and international organizations were invited, including 400 heads of state and members of royal families, who will be entertained with meals and classical Japanese music.

Aside from Duterte, Nikkei said the list of guests included British royalty Prince Charles, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan, and Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Emperor Naruhito’s Reiwa Era started on May 1 this year after his father Emperor Akihito abdicated on April 30. Duterte was in Tokyo a few days after Naruhito’s accession. However, he did not get a chance to meet the new Japanese Emperor.

In May this year, Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo agreed that the relationship between the two countries will become more harmonious with the ascension of Emperor Naruhito.

“With the accession of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, there is renewed confidence that Japan’s ties with the Philippines – and indeed with the rest of the world – will be characterized by beautiful harmony,” Duterte said.

Duterte also told Abe that the Philippines would be honored to receive Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako should they decide to visit the Philippines in the future. Panelo said a possible visit would further enhance the strong brotherly bond that the Philippines and Japan are enjoying.