Tokyo: Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a banquet for visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his wife at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Wednesday evening.

According to Philippines News Agency, Emperor Naruhito, in a speech at the Homei-Den banquet hall, expressed his hopes for Japan and the Philippines to "weave a peaceful and promising future and prosper together," as the two nations celebrate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic ties this year.

The event saw the attendance of around 90 guests, including Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and ministers from both countries. Prince Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, marked his debut at such a state banquet, as a 19-year-old in his second year at the University of Tsukuba.

Emperor Naruhito acknowledged the historical hardships between Japan and the Philippines in his speech. He emphasized the development of friendly relations since diplomatic ties were normalized, expressing his sincere hope that the bilateral ties of trust will continue to deepen.