Rody-Akihito meeting scrapped after death of emperor’s uncle

YOKOHAMA – The call of President Duterte on Emperor Akihito has been cancelled following the death of the Japanese monarch’s uncle Prince Mikasa.

Duterte expressed his sincere condolences for the death of the 100-year-old Prince Mikasa, the youngest brother of Emperor Hirohito.

Duterte said he was told of the protocol not to visit while the Japanese royal family is in mourning.

“I respect that. I would ask for the same request if I were in his shoes. I’d like to express my deepest condolence,” the President told reporters during an interview yesterday.

Duterte’s state call on Emperor Akihito was supposed to be his last activity during his three-day official visit to Japan before going back to Manila.

Duterte had already met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other Japanese officials. The President also had the opportunity to meet the Filipino community in Japan.

The emperor would have received Duterte at the Shohiro-ma (audience room) at the Imperial Palace where they would have a photo opportunity and exchange of pleasantries.

An official of the Japanese government relayed the cancellation to Duterte before he returned to Manila last night.