It’s been a relatively low-key visit.
“In his remarks during the state dinner hosted by President Aquino in Malacañang on Wednesday, January 27, Japan’s Emperor Akihito reiterated the importance of remembering the loss of Filipino lives and casualties due to battles that took place during World War II,” reports Willard Cheng on ABS-CBNnews.com.
The emperor stated in Japanese, “Last year, Japan marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. During this war, fierce battles between Japan and the United States took place on Philippine soil, resulting in the loss of many Filipino lives and leaving many Filipinos injured. This is something we Japanese must never forget and we intend to keep this engraved in our hearts throughout our visit.”
The report noted: “The emperor spoke of the deep ties between the Philippines and Japan and fondly remembered his first visit to the Philippines along with Empress Michiko when they were still crown prince and princess during the administration of President Disodado Macapagal.”
