President Bongbong Marcos opened his first State Visit to Japan as president with a rare imperial reception at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on Wednesday, May 27, where he and First Lady Liza Marcos were received by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
The state call placed Marcos in a select diplomatic circle. The Presidential Communications Office said he is only the third world leader received by Emperor Naruhito on a State Visit since the Emperor ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019, after US President Donald J. Trump in May 2019 and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in March 2025.
During the ceremony, Marcos received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, Japan’s highest decoration. The First Lady received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown. The Philippines reciprocated by conferring the Order of Lakandula, rank of Supremo, on Emperor Naruhito, while Empress Masako received the Order of Gabriela Silang.
The welcome followed full state protocol, including both national anthems, military honors, and Marcos’s inspection of the Guard of Honor. Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and Prime Minister 高市早苗 were also present.
Beyond the ceremony, the visit carries major policy weight. Marcos is expected to meet Takaichi for talks on defense, energy security, trade and investment, maritime cooperation, and human resources issues affecting around 340,000 Filipinos in Japan.
On defense, both sides are expected to discuss the Reciprocal Access Agreement and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement signed in January 2026, which allows the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan Self-Defense Forces to exchange supplies and services.
Energy is also on the table, with Marcos seeking clarity on what the Philippines can gain from Japan’s POWERR Asia initiative.
“We in the Philippines are really working on our long-term energy supply,” DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said, “that’s why the President wants to work with Japan to further expand the country’s renewable energy.”
