Tokyo: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday arrived in Tokyo, where he is expected to push the Philippines' interest in advancing investment and security cooperation with Japan. Marcos arrived at Haneda Airport at around 6:31 p.m., Tokyo time.

According to Philippines News Agency, before his departure, Marcos designated Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Education Secretary Sonny Angara as government 'caretakers' while he is on a state visit to Japan. During his four-day visit, Marcos is expected to hold meetings with Japanese leaders and witness the signing of new agreements covering trade, investment, maritime, and defense cooperation, as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are scheduled to receive a formal welcome at the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor and Empress of Japan will confer on the First Couple two of Japan's most prestigious awards. The President will receive the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Court of the Chrysanthemum, while the First Lady will be awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown.

In turn, Marcos will confer the Order of the Lakandula with the rank of Supremo (Grand Collar) on the Emperor and the Order of Gabriela Silang on the Empress, both among the Philippines' highest civilian honors, in recognition of Their Majesties' contributions to strengthening Philippines-Japan relations.

Marcos will also hold a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, where both leaders are expected to discuss enhanced cooperation in defense, maritime security, trade, investments, energy resilience, and infrastructure development. He is also expected to hold meetings with Japanese business groups to promote increased investments in the Philippines.

The President will likewise engage the Filipino community in Japan to thank them for their contributions to nation-building by showcasing 'the best of Filipino spirit through their hard work and exemplary character.' There are currently around 340,000 Filipinos residing and working in Japan, based on data from the Department of Foreign Affairs.