Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Thursday met with Filipinos of Japanese descent who endured hard times amid anti-Japanese sentiment after World War II.
The Imperial Couple are on a five-day trip to the Southeast Asian country at the invitation of President Benigno Aquino in what is the 60th year of diplomatic ties between the nations.
In a speech at a banquet Wednesday night, the Emperor expressed remorse over the loss of Filipino lives during battles between the Imperial Japanese Army and U.S. soldiers 70 years ago.