Duterte’s meeting with Japanese Emperor canceled

Protocol- conscious Japan dodged a potential diplomatic minefield Thursday when a meeting between profanityprone Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and the country’s revered Emperor Akihito was cancelled following a death in the imperial family.

Akihito’s 100- year- old uncle Prince Mikasa died Thursday and the Emperor will begin seven days of mourning, “cancelling a series of events scheduled during the period including his meeting with President Duterte,” a palace spokesperson told AFP.

Duterte is on his first trip as president to Japan and was due to meet the figurehead.

The scheduled meeting had Japan on faux pas alert with concerns about Duterte’s possible misbehavior.

Duterte, who has launched a controversial crackdown on crime in the Philippines, was also seen standing at an event with his hands in his pockets, another no- no in Japan.

Since arriving in Tokyo Tues- day, Duterte has avoided any major trouble, though the acidtongued president has kept up his habit of hurling sharp, sometimes profane, insults at world figures, with a fresh tirade against Washington.

Still, a summit meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday went off smoothly.

Retired diplomats and officials had expressed concern that the tough- talking former mayor of Davao would offend Akihito – the most revered person in the country – which they warned could have affected bilateral ties.

But on social media, many expressed frustration that Duterte would now not have a chance to prove himself.

“Was worried before that Duterte- san might misbehave in front of His Majesty, but was assured that he is the kind of man who can maintain his manners after seeing his talks with Prime Minister Abe,” one user posted.