President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kicked off his historic four-day state visit to Japan on Wednesday morning with a prestigious imperial audience, where Manila and Tokyo exchanged some of their highest diplomatic awards.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako welcomed President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. During the high-profile reception, Emperor Naruhito bestowed the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum upon President Marcos—an honor established in 1876 reserved for foreign heads of state and exceptional leaders. The First Lady was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown, a traditional decoration for high-ranking female foreign dignitaries.
In a reciprocal presentation of state honors, the Philippines conferred the Order of Lakandula (Rank of Supremo) upon Emperor Naruhito, while Empress Masako received the Order of Gabriela Silang.
According to Malacañang, the event underscores a profound diplomatic gesture, as President Marcos is only the third global leader hosted by the Emperor for a formal State Visit since his 2019 ascension to the throne.
The trip marks a key milestone, happening exactly as both nations celebrate the 70th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties. Following his previous official and working trips to Tokyo and Osaka in 2023 and 2025, this is the President’s first formal state visit to the country.
The President’s afternoon itinerary shifts heavily toward economic and strategic policy. Marcos is set to hold talks with the Japan Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League (JPPFL) and convene a roundtable meeting with corporate leaders.
He is also slated to watch executives from the Ayala Group sign a major memorandum of understanding (MOU) alongside Japanese corporate partners, ahead of an official state banquet on Wednesday evening.
Later in the trip, bilateral talks will escalate as Marcos meets Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The two leaders plan to iron out stronger regional defense strategies and witness the signing of fresh trade, investment, and maritime security pacts.
The Philippine delegation initially arrived at Haneda International Airport at 6:31 p.m. local time on Tuesday evening, where President Marcos immediately began his itinerary by connecting with the local Filipino expatriate community.