Philippine President Marcos Receives Japan’s Highest Honor on State Visit

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received Japan’s highest decoration during a state visit to Tokyo on Wednesday. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a formal welcome ceremony at the Imperial Palace’s Eastern Court. Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko also attended the event, which included the playing of both national anthems and a guard of honor.

Marcos was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown. The Philippines conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo on Emperor Naruhito and the Order of Gabriela Silang on Empress Masako.

It is the third such ceremony during Japan’s Reiwa Era, which began in 2019. The trip coincides with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. Marcos traveled at the invitation of the Japanese government.

Philippine and Japanese officials described the exchanges as part of ongoing bilateral cooperation, though no specific agreements were announced during the palace ceremony.