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Martin Ramos - Philstar.com
May 27, 2026 | 1:33pm
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japan Emperor Naruhito during the Philippine leader's State Visit to Japan
PPA Pool Photos by Marianne Bermudez
TOKYO, Japan — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos received some of Japan’s highest state honors during a state call with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace on Wednesday, May 27.
During the state call, President Marcos was conferred the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, while the First Lady received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown.
The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum is Japan’s highest state decoration, traditionally awarded to foreign heads of state and distinguished leaders in recognition of exceptional contributions to bilateral relations.
The Order of the Precious Crown, meanwhile, is typically reserved for female members of foreign royal families and high-ranking dignitaries during official state visits.
Reciprocally, the Philippine government conferred the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo or Grand Collar on Emperor Naruhito, while Empress Masako was awarded the Order of Gabriela Silang.
State call highlights
Upon arrival at the Imperial Palace, the president and first lady were formally received by the imperial couple, alongside Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Members of the Philippine delegation were also introduced to the emperor and empress, including Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. and presidential son Sandro Marcos.
The ceremony featured full state protocols, including the playing of the Philippine and Japanese national anthems, military honors and the president’s inspection of the Guard of Honor.
Media coverage of the event was tightly controlled, with only a limited number of accredited photographers and video journalists granted access to document the proceedings inside the imperial palace.
After the president and first lady left, the imperial couple briefly interacted with members of the Philippine media delegation covering the visit, asking them about their stay in Japan.
The exchange is considered a rare moment within the traditionally formal and protocol-heavy Palace setting.
The state call forms part of the broader official engagements of President Marcos’ four-day visit to Japan, which focuses on strengthening cooperation between Manila and Tokyo in defense, trade, investment, and regional security.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that specific details of the meeting, along with other agreements reached during the president’s engagements in Japan, will be personally disclosed by Marcos himself upon completion of the official visit.
