Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday afternoon for their historic five-day visit, the first visit to Southeast Asia by a reigning Japanese royal.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will be in the Philippines from January 26 to 30. They are scheduled to meet with President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday morning at Malacañang Palace.
The Philippine government has long extended its state invitation for Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Aquino renewed the invitation during his state visit to Japan in June last year.
In 1962, the Emperor and Empress, when they were Crown Prince and Princess, made a visit to the Philippines, on behalf of Emperor Showa, in return for a state visit by then-President Carlos P. Garcia.
Though the Emperor now serves as a national figurehead expected to abide by the general rule that his visits should never have a political agenda, the trip is symbolic as it comes as the two countries celebrate 60 years since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations and illustrates a shift away from anti-Japanese sentiment left over from World War II.
Ages Aviation Center, Inc. had the distinct honor of being selected as the FBO- Fixed Based Operator and Ground Handling company for the Emperor’s visit. Ages along with our partners for this visit, Japan Airlines and Macroasia Corp. provided seamless handling for His Majesty’s two (2) Boeing 747s that parked on the famous Balagbag “Ages” Ramp.
In attendance to meet His Majesty was His Excellency President Benigno Aquino III who elected to wait for the Emperor and Empress at the Ages Lounge along with member of his cabinet.
