Du30 to attend Japan emperor rites

President Duterte, accompanied by a “lean delegation,” will attend the enthronement of new Japanese Emperor Naruhito to honor the “golden age” of friendship between the Philippines and Japan.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President would be in Tokyo until Wednesday to attend the ceremony along with other world leaders, as well as two official banquets.

The Reiwa era under Naruhito began on May 1 after his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicated the throne on April 30.

In a statement, Panelo hailed Japan as a “special strategic partner,” noting that it is the Philippines’ second biggest trading partner and the fourth biggest market for Philippine tourism.

Japan is also the largest official development assistance provider to the Philippines, contributing to its infrastructure development and peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

“The golden age of Philippines-japan friendship has indeed started to unfold. The President, 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,” the Palace official said.

Mr. Duterte is scheduled to leave for Tokyo on Monday afternoon with a “lean delegation.” This will be his fourth visit to Japan since assuming office in 2016.

“Definitely, it’s a lean delegation. Leaner than we thought,” Panelo said, without going into details. It was still uncertain if this week’s visit is a working visit.

The ceremony and banquet will push through on Tuesday, but Japan’s Cabinet has postponed the enthronement parade to Nov. 10 in the aftermath of Typhoon “Hagibis” that hit Japan.

Panelo said the President would attend the enthronement ceremony on Oct. 22, as well as the emperor’s banquet that day.

The following day, Mr. Duterte will attend a banquet hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The President will return to the Philippines on Thursday.

The President has designated Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as the officer in charge of the executive branch until Wednesday.

Mr. Duterte said this was to “ensure continuity of government service.”