Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte praised Japanese sincerity and respectfulness as he gave thanks for Japan's aid to the Philippines over the years.

The remarks on Thursday evening in Davao were made during an advance birthday celebration for Emperor Akihito that was attended by Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa.

Duterte missed a chance to meet the Emperor during his October visit to Japan because his courtesy call was canceled following the death of the Emperor's uncle.

In his remarks, Duterte pointed out there are many Filipinos of Japanese descent in Davao because many Japanese migrated there more than a century ago.

Addressing Ishikawa, he said: "Your country has done a lot for us, especially Davao," adding that Japan is the Philippines' top donor through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. "All the nice things you see now, part of it is actually Japanese — from planning to everything."

Describing the Japanese as "the most Oriental of all Orientals," he cited their "outstanding human behavior trait" of being "very sensitive" and "very sincere."