Marcos Jr. Wishes Japan’s Emperor Naruhito ‘Abundant Happiness, Blessings’ on Birthday

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

MANILA/TOKYO – Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. shared his well-wishes for Japanese Emperor Naruhito who celebrated his 63rd birthday on Feb. 23, a national holiday in Japan.

“Iwish abundant happiness and blessings to His Majesty The Emperor as he leads Japan to continued prosperity and the promotion of peace,” he said in his toast remarks at the National Day of Japan and the emperor’s birthday celebration at the Shangri-La the Fort Hotel in Taguig City on Feb. 22.

The chief executive met the Emperor and Empress Masako during his official visit to Tokyo early last month and invited them to visit the Philippines.

He also conveyed to the Imperial Couple the affection and admiration of the Filipino people, including the estimated 297,262 Filipinos who consider Japan their second home.

Naruhito gave his first public birthday address since ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, 2019 following the abdication of his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito.

He is Japan’s 126th emperor – the first to be born after World War II. - Florenda Corpuz

Philippines to ‘Show the Best of the Filipino People’ at 2025 Osaka Expo - Frasco

MANILA – The Philippines “will show the best of the Filipino people” in the upcoming Osaka Kansai Japan Expo 2025.

This was stated by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Feb. 18 as she confirmed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s approval of the country’s participation in the 184day exposition, which will take place in Yumeshima, Osaka from April 13 to Oct. 13, 2025.

Frasco conveyed the government’s seriousness to foster its relations with

Japan. She also cited the official visit of Marcos Jr. to Tokyo where a series of important meetings transpired, including with key Japanese tourism stakeholders.

“Prior to the pandemic, we received over 682,000 Japanese nationals into the Philippines. On the other hand, over 600,000 Filipinos went to experience the beauty of Japan. Therefore, both our countries share mutual opportunities to drive this momentum forward so both our tourism industries in Japan and the Philippines would mutually prosper,” she said on the opening day of the Japan Fiesta 2023 at Glorietta Activity Center and Palm Drive Center in Makati City.

The Osaka Kansai Japan Expo 2025 is expected to attract approximately 28.2 million visitors from across the world.Florenda Corpuz