President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako for their warm hospitality, recalling a friendly and personal exchange with the imperial couple during a state banquet in Tokyo.
Speaking to reporters at the end of his four-day state visit to Japan, Marcos said their conversation extended beyond official matters and focused on common experiences and interests.
“We talked about our shared experiences in Oxford University and it turns out mga music lover din pala yung Emperor at Empress (it turns out the Emperor and Empress are also music lovers). Kaya yun din ang pinag-usapan namin dahil talagang pare-pareho ang mga pinagdaanan din namin (That was also what we talked about because we have gone through many similar experiences),” Marcos said.
The President said he was impressed by the warmth shown by the imperial couple, noting that Japan’s royal household is known for its strict observance of protocol and tradition.
“It was a very, shall we say, warm conversation. And we were very flattered that although we, of course, the Japanese are very strict about formality and ritual,” he said.
“But once we did that, the Emperor and the Empress were very, very warm and treated us like long-lost friends, for which we are very grateful to (them),” he added.
Marcos described Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako as gracious hosts who reflected the hospitality for which Japan is widely known.
The state banquet was one of the highlights of Marcos’ visit, which also resulted in stronger cooperation between the Philippines and Japan in key areas, including defense, economic development, technology, energy security, and maritime affairs.
The visit underscored the growing strategic and economic partnership between Manila and Tokyo as both nations continue to deepen bilateral ties.