In Pictures: Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visit the Philippines

Japan's royal couple are on an historic five-day tour of the Philippines. The visit is to mark 60 years of ties between the two countries and it is the first time a reigning Japanese emperor has visited the country.

Updated

Published

Jan 27, 2016, 03:10 PM

Emperor Akihito reviews an honour guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on Jan 27. PHOTO: AFP

Emperor Akihito (second from right), his wife Empress Michiko (right) and Philippine President Benigno Aquino (left, back to camera) listen to a bamboo orchestra during a welcoming ceremony at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on Jan 27. PHOTO: AFP

Japan's Emperor Akihito meets cabinet members with President Benigno Aquino during a welcoming ceremony for the Emperor at the Malacanang presidential palace on Jan 27. PHOTO: REUTERS

Japan's royal couple are greeted by Philippine President Benigno Aquino at the start of their meeting at Malacanang Palace in Manila on January 27. PHOTO: AFP

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko bow before the monument of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal at the Luneta Park in Manila. PHOTO: EPA

Former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada (left) presents Japan's Emperor Akihito (centre) and Empress Michiko with a gift during a wreath laying ceremony at the monument of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal at the Luneta Park in Manila, Philippines, on Jan 27. PHOTO: EPA

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are greeted by grade school pupils of the Manila Japanese School, in Manila, Philippines, on Jan 26. PHOTO: EPA

Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko acknowledge well wishers as they prepare to disembark from a plane shortly after arriving at the international airport in Manila on Jan 26. PHOTO: AFP

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