Published May 27, 2026 2:31pm + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on Wednesday were formally received by Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. During the state call, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos was given the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, which is considered as Japan’s highest and most prestigious award.The First Lady, meanwhile, obtained the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown.The First Couple, in return, conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo or Grand Collar on Emperor Naruhito, while Empress Masako received the Order of Gabriela Silang.Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi were also present during the welcome ceremony. The First Couple later joined the Imperial Couple at the Take-no-Ma, or Imperial Palace Audience Room, for the state call. Photo from PCO Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said that it is an honor for Marcos and the entire Philippines to be invited by the government of Japan for the state visit.“Pinapalakas po nito ang pagkakaibigan ng dalawang bansa. Maliban po dyan, marami pa po mapag-uusapan. Nandiyan na po yung tungkol sa security, maritime, and economic matters. Marami po itong madadala na magiging pabor sa atin, sa ating mga kababayan, lalo-lalo na po ‘yung mga investments, ‘yung mga pag-nenegosyo sa ating bansa,” she said in a press briefing in Tokyo.(This strengthens the relationship between the two countries. Apart from that, there is much more to discuss like in terms of security, maritime, and economic matters. A lot of these will favor us, our countrymen, especially when it comes to investments and other business transactions.) “And of course, sabi nga natin, makakatulong din po ito para sa ikagaganda ng both countries, ng bansa, ng Pilipinas at ng Japan,” she added. (And of course, as we said, this will also help for the betterment of both countries, the Philippines and Japan.) Castro said that it is also expected that Japan will further strengthen its support for the Philippines amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Marcos and his delegation flew to Japan on Tuesday for a four-day state visit from May 26 to 29, 2026, at the invitation of the Japanese government.https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/989002/marcos-japan-state-visit/story/ The President’s state visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, trade, investment, and regional affairs, also coincides with the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan following World War II. —VAL, GMA News