PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has invited Japan's new Imperial Couple to visit the Philippines, Malacañang said on Monday, June 3, 2019.

Duterte extended the invitation to Japan Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako during his bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on May 31, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo told a press conference.

"The President likewise conveyed the best wishes of the Filipino people to Emperor Naruhito's ascension to the throne, adding that it would be a great honor for our country to receive Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in the Philipines in the future," Panelo said.

Naruhito, Japan's 126th Emperor, has ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne, replacing his father, Akihito, who had abdicated.

Panelo said the impending visit of Japan's Imperial Couple to the Philippines would further bolster the relationship between Tokyo and Manila.

He, however, said Duterte did not give a specific date for Akihito and Masako's visit.

"I think the visit would further enhance the bond between the two countries," the Palace official said.

Last week, Duterte went to Japan for the third time for a four-day working visit.

The President's Japan trip yielded around P288.804 billion worth of investment and trade deals.

Japan has also pledged to grant the Philippines around 25 billion yen for the development of conflict-torn Mindanao. (SunStar Philippines)