President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos exchanged high state honors with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Wednesday, marking a ceremonial highlight of the Philippine leader’s state visit to Japan.
The exchange took place during the First Couple’s state call on Their Majesties at the Take-no-Ma, or Imperial Palace Audience Room, where Marcos was conferred the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, Japan’s highest recognition for foreign heads of state, royalty, and distinguished leaders.
The First Lady, meanwhile, received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown, an honor traditionally given to female members of foreign royal families and senior women dignitaries during state visits.
In return, Marcos bestowed the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Supremo or Grand Collar on Emperor Naruhito, while Empress Masako was conferred the Order of Gabriela Silang.
The Japanese imperial couple formally welcomed Marcos and the First Lady in rites that included the playing of the Philippine and Japanese national anthems, military honors, and the President’s inspection of the Guard of Honor.
Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi were also present during the ceremony.
The state visit comes as Manila and Tokyo move to elevate their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which Marcos described as the “highest tier” in the Philippines’ diplomatic framework and a first for the country.
Speaking before members of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League in Tokyo, Marcos said the two nations must deepen cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, pressure on the rules-based international order, and economic challenges.
“For the Philippines, and I believe for Japan as well, this moment calls not for retreat nor hesitation, but for deeper engagement with one another and with like-minded partners around the world,” Marcos said.
He said the stronger partnership reflects the “exceptional level of trust” between the two countries, which are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year.
Marcos also underscored the need to expand cooperation in trade, investment, maritime security, defense, clean energy, digital transformation, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and space.
He welcomed Japan’s continued support for the Philippines, particularly in long-term human security investments in Mindanao and other parts of the country.
The President said Manila and Tokyo share responsibilities as maritime democracies, stressing that secure waterways remain vital to global trade, energy flows, and economic stability.
He also highlighted the importance of operationalizing key defense arrangements, including the Reciprocal Access Agreement, the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, and Japan’s Official Security Assistance program to help improve the Philippines’ maritime domain awareness and security capabilities.
Marcos is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Takaichi on Thursday to further discuss cooperation in security, trade, investment, and regional affairs. He is also set to address a joint session of Japan’s National Diet.
The President also met with Japanese business executives in Tokyo, where he pushed for stronger trade, investment, and tourism cooperation. The Presidential Communications Office said the roundtable focused on positioning the Philippines as a stable and competitive partner for Japanese investors in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, digital services, renewable energy, tourism, and supply chain resilience.