Duterte to attend Japanese emperor coronation rites

President Rodrigo Duterte receives a warm welcome from Second Southeast Asia Division Director Shingo Miyamoto upon his arrival at the Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Japan on May 28, 2019.
Karl Norman Alonzo/Presidential Photo

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte will attend the coronation of the new Japanese emperor and two banquets during his fourth visit to Japan, his spokesman said yesterday. 

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said yesterday in a radio interview that Duterte would have no other major activities in Japan. 

“He also has a banquet – the first banquet and prime minister’s banquet,” Panelo said. 

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar confirmed that the President’s visit to Japan would push through.

Earlier reports said the President was to leave for Japan today but Malacañang has not issued a confirmation as of press time. 
Japanese Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne in May but formal enthronement ceremony is set on Oct. 22. 

Last month, Panelo said Duterte might skip the ceremony because of his busy schedule.

Duterte later said he wanted to witness the event because Japan is one of the countries providing assistance to the Philippines and he would bring with him a lean delegation if his trip pushes through.

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