Statement: On the Abdication of Emperor Akihito of Japan
30 April 2019 — On the occasion of the abdication of His Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan, the Department of Foreign Affairs extends the Philippines’ deepest gratitude to His Majesty for his invaluable role in advocating peace during his 30-year reign and fostering goodwill and friendship between the Philippines and Japan. His Majesty the Emperor was the first member of the Japanese Imperial Household to visit the Philippines, doing so twice – as Crown Prince in 1962, and as Emperor in 2016.
As the Heisei era draws to a close, the Government and people of the Philippines convey their sincerest best wishes for the good health and well-being of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. END