politics

Japan wary over Philippine leader's policy, manners in front of emperor

80 Comments
By Mari Yamaguchi

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80 Comments
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They are particularly concerned about his meeting with Emperor Akihito on Friday.

Who isn't, can't they skip this meeting? I'm sure the Emperor has better things to do like, taking a rest and enjoy his free time than to meet this crazy nutter.

32 ( +34 / -2 )

Without reading this article I wrote my comment ahead about his chewing gum which I find so rude! One of the many bad habits that he has.

13 ( +14 / -1 )

Just one more bridge for Duterte to burn.

16 ( +18 / -2 )

When (Duterte) will make a courtesy visit to the Emperor, his behavior during the event could have a major impact. I trust he understands the consequences and he would not do such a thing (as chewing gum), but I do hope the Philippine side to remind him of that particular point,” Itsunori Onodera, a senior lawmaker in the conservative ruling Liberal Democratic Party, told a Sunday talk show on Fuji TV.

Your trust would be misplaced. If he's willing to misbehave with the Chinese whom he is trying to court, ettiquete with the emperor is not going to register on his peasant radar.

can't they skip this meeting? I'm sure the Emperor has better things to do like, taking a rest and enjoy his free time than to meet this crazy nutter.

Exactly. And what happens if Duterte insults the emperor by calling him a son of a ## or tells him to go to hell? Then what?

15 ( +16 / -1 )

Tokyo is a major ally of the United States

Caught between the crossfire between a current superpower, and an emerging one, as Japan and many other smaller Asian nations are, is it wise to totally ally with one, and completely alienate the other, as Japan seems hell bent on doing? What if you bet on the wrong horse?

Call it playing both sides, or just trying to maintain some sort of neutrality, countries like the Phillipines, Singapore, and to a lesser extent, South Korea, may be making wiser choices.

Perhaps the ghost from Japan's imperialist past is preventing it from ever trying to do so.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

I looked down at him at beginning but after I saw his interview in Aljazeera , i know respect him , Regardless of his clothes .

-13 ( +9 / -22 )

Why are they letting this guy anywhere near the Emperor in the first place?

25 ( +28 / -3 )

Why are they letting this guy anywhere near the Emperor in the first place?

Plus they're making the Emperor meet this guy. He doesn't want to do this work anymore.

19 ( +20 / -1 )

I can imagine their anxiety about him meeting the Emperor. Chewing gum in front of him would be a deep insult

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Wow... so the guy commits mass murder, slams the leaders of other nations, snubs Japan by going to China first, and they're worried about manners in front of the emperor?

9 ( +15 / -6 )

Duterte is a loose cannon but his 5 minutes will be up before he knows it. He will be remembered just like Hugo Chavez is now - as another blowhard whose time is up and who didn'treally advance his country.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

What if he offers gum to the emperor first?

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Tokyo is a major ally of the United States

Nice!

Tokyo is a major ally of the United States and Shinzo Abe is the Prime Minister of Tokyo.

Can't speak for the rest of Japan, but as for Okinawa, the US could hardly be described as an ally and it certainly isn't major.

-8 ( +8 / -16 )

The Emperor does not need to be at all concerned, as he has no duty to entertain foreign wack jobs.

Let MOFA bureaucrats provide Duterte some gum, a manga magazine and a book on etiquette. Otherwise it will certainly end badly, so why add a single ounce of stress to the emminently respected Emperors twilight years? No benefit at all.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

In Japan, where the Emperor was considered a living god until the end of World War II, people are expected to be extra polite in front of him and his family.

There are few people today alive that remember or even consider this to be true anymore.

It's unnecessary to say the least, in this article. Trying to make the impression that the Emperor is better than everyone else, when he himself likes to think of himself as an Emperor for the people, and he is respected for who he is, not just his station.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Japan wary over Philippine leader's policy, manners in front of emperor

Yeah, one must shied the Emperor from the cold hard truth. I actually admire the Philippine president for not being afraid to speak his mind. The Philippines have been manipulated and abused by both China and Japan for the last few centuries. I'm glad to see a Philippine president that will stand up to these money bullies.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

All this cr@p about etiquette and not farting in front of the Emperor. To give a wider perspective, they are just two human beings on a planet turning slowly into a giant mausoleum. Nothing will come out of the meeting whatever the rustic Duterte says or does anyway.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

All those he killed are mortified (pun very much intended) at his gum chewing.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Duterte please. Remember. Japan helped the Philippines after the Typhoon Haiyan destroyed most of Tacloban.

Japan was there with aid, deployment of their own troops, and cash donation.US was there also with troops, tons of aid and also cash donation. And your buddy... China...donated $100 000. Remember that?

Please don't insult those who have helped the Philippines during our time of need.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

Hope they televise it. Things will have been a bit dull after Trump/Clinton finishes!

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has been set up good and proper here, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte failed basic house training, best leave litter trays, at least he won't answer the call of nature up against some priceless rare artifact. Then who is going to walk behind him mopping up the slug like residue of the blood of his own people?..........Sorry JT for my disrespect, Rodrigo Duterte is guilty of slaughtering of thousands of Filipino's whose crime was to succumb to drug dependency.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

You people worry about nothing. He'll probably get on well with the Emperor. And even if he chewed gum, the Emperor won't worry.

Duterte is smart. He just wants what is best for the Philippines. He can afford to tell Obama to go to hell. Lots of other people wished they had the courage.

He knows both the US and China see the Philippines as an important country.

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

Let's see... Duterte is still pissed off at the US for atrocities of 100+ years ago so he insults US officials to get even. The Japanese didn't exactly coddle the Filipinos during the invasion and occupation either, so what will this asshat do this time?

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Please don't insult those who have helped the Philippines during our time of need.

Wow....just wow, Japan treats the PI like the US treats Japan. Let's not forget the 100,000 or so children who were denied Japanese citizenship after WWII.

If Japan was so magnanimous it would take care of them as well!

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Chewing gum? Isn't thank an American habit? Why is Duterte adopting a Yankee habit when he hates the US so much?

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

These "sillies" liberated the Philippines from Japanese tyrannical rule.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

This behavior is not the answer.

Philippines secret death squads: officer claims police teams behind wave of killings .....

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/04/philippines-secret-death-squads-police-officer-teams-behind-killings

The Government of japan should not be welcoming mass murders let alone foist this thug on the Chrysanthemum Throne.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

"If Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have . . ." Duterte said pausing and pointing to himself.

It's baffling how many people can admire anybody who would compare himself to one of the most evil men in history.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

He may go sightsee around Tokyo, especially night Kabukicho as soon as he arrived in Haneda. He loves Japan. He and his family have visited Japan before. He may already have forgot the reason why he came to Japan.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Duterte is a bum In less than a year the CIA will cure his breathing problem. He is the works of a madman and a pawn of China. Or he is smart and ripping off all the countries for money in aid and loans with no intention on paying back. But he will not live long his death sentence by the Judge of teh USA has been signed and will happen. Hillary knows how to get rid of Khadafies and other thugs

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

The Government of japan should not be welcoming mass murders let alone foist this thug on the Chrysanthemum Throne.

What? You mean that Japan should ban visits from the US president?

Just to remind people. He is thuggish and emotional, but Duterte is also a trained lawyer and the son of a governor. He knows his way around politics.

The best explanation I have heard is that the Philippines is in the final stage of a revolution. The first part ended when they shed their colonial masters. Now the final stage is to shed the Pinoy who replaced the colonial masters, and to shed the left over bits and pieces of US domination (though most Pinoy like the US).

There is much more going on here than meets the eye. And like Trump, it wouldbe dangerous to underestimate this guy.

All that said, I see no reason why the Emperor should meet him. That meeting risks sparking a very difficult diplomatic crisis, and I see little reason to take that risk.

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

The best way to treat Duterte is to minimize his complexity of superiority. Japan and the USA would be annoyed by his Quixotic activities and irresponsible languages for years to come, unless the Filipino people strongly speak out that enough is enough. Don't give him royal treatments. His Majesty Akihito may camcel his meeting with Duherte..

0 ( +2 / -2 )

It's funny and tactless for the Japanese FM to lambast and shame Duterte in the media .

It's not only a breech of protocol but also way off very un-Japanese!

Congratulations Japan! Your government have not only insulted the President of a sovereign country but also the rest of the Philippino people!

What's happening to these Abe royals?

These kind of very undiplomatic manners is way much worst than the words coming out from Duterte .

Why invite him in the first place just to insult him?

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Phillipines is the Venezuela of Asia, and Duterte its Maduro. So, what do you expect from an ultra-uncouth man visiting a crystal shop?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

"“I do not want to see any military man of any other nation except the Philippine soldier.”

How about PLA soldiers on Scarborough Shoal?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Well, he called the Pope a "son of a whore", so what makes you think he will behave in Japan?

6 ( +7 / -1 )

It must be a constant source of worry for the string pullers to have a loose cannon like Duterte who doesn't bleat in agreement when he's told to.

But if he really gets in the road, I'm sure the CIA will arrange a convenient "accident" somewhere.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Royalty around the world are well used to welcoming scoundrels....no worries here!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Hey guys,don't worry.He will behave like a gentleman because emporor's aura will make him do so.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Nobody in Asia should think that everyone behaves in an orderly manner like in JAPAN. Japan after world war II is by far the most well-behaved country. This is one of the reason, Why Japan is the most visited country in Asia. Pls always stay this well-behaved if possible. Japan is the only country that every foreigner wants to copy for their good manners Which is most difficult in other Asian country. By the way, Durante has most respect for countries that invest in him and his country, not over him and his country is What matters in under-developed countries. In his country , he has over 70% respect. This can only happen in his type of country.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Best to hold off on donating those 12 coast guard vessels and aircraft.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

the question is why he got an invitation??

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Ahh Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has managed to play both ends against the middle, proves silence is golden. Never play bridge with Abe san he will take you to the cleaners.

Duterte arrives in Japan after softening comments on ‘separation’ from U.S

<http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/10/25/national/politics-diplomacy/duterte-eases-separation-stance-u-s-ahead-abe-visit/ >

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Wonder if he could kick the gum habit before meeting the Singapore president?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I do not like Duterte's attitude overall.

But I am not sure about what is the most ridiculous in 21st century: emperor protocol or chewing gum.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

He made China closer to Japan?

cewing gum. Do you think Emperor knows what it is?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

My question to Rodrigo Duterte is, if I accuse him of being on drugs; will he execute himself? He's a part of 'Trump World' closely related to the 'clowns'. Deport him and shut him up.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Cunning, Abe will have Duterte potty trained before he get within sight of any Meiji Period Japanese Vases at Tokyo Imperial Palace.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@itsonly: I don't think he has the same habit of yours. Restrain bragging your habit here.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Every leader visiting Japan doesn't meet the emperor, so,why does this fool have to?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Well Japan, you know what you're getting with Duterte. So if you're really concerned, why invite him then? To question him now when he's already there isn't being a good host. And I find it kind of ironic how some people are saying that the Emperor shouldn't meet with mass murderers when the Emperor himself comes from a lineage of one, and has met with guys like Obama the drone-striker.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Gum!! I heard a rumor he has brought some chewing tobacco with him to Japan!!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I find here No posters here watch Japanese TV news. FNN news reported interview with him asked if he was chewing gum a couple of days ago in China. and he said.....

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Well toshiko one of my favorite habits is spending Friday and Saturday evening at my favourite Izakaya with a friends and a Jin Tonikku.

Not quite in the same league as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte habits , quote Hitler massacred three million Jews, there's three million drug addicts.There are. I'd be happy to slaughter them or how about this Duterte ditty on his womanizing, I was mad she was raped but she was so beautiful. I thought, the mayor (sic) should have been first You possess a unique, rather singular peculiar skill to recognize class when you see it toshiko.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

God can you imagine if he chews gum in front of the Emperor? what would that do to world order?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Diet ... continue writing. FNN news

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

This is what I mean about playing both ends against the middle it is a strategy...

President Duterte Maintains Philippine-Japanese Partnership as He “Pivots” to China.....

https://amti.csis.org/president-duterte-maintains-philippine-japanese-partnership-pivots-china/

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Maybe the whole China thing is just a ruse to get the attention of the US.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The Emporer " a living god", what kind of Crap is this? Maybe Duterte has something to add to this Crazy Mixed up World!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Even Gandhi thought that chewing gum was a bad manner.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte makes Bush Jr look like a choir boy. Duterte is the biggest liability in the area being China and North Korea. Why the Philippines voted him in is beyond me.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Tokyo is a major ally of the United States and Shinzo Abe is the Prime Minister of Tokyo.

Can't speak for the rest of Japan, but as for Okinawa, the US could hardly be described as an ally and it certainly isn't major.

Unrelated and you speak for like 5 Okinawans.

Hopefully in Duterte's travels he sees the light and stays in line with ROK, Japan, and ASEAN nations about where his country should partner with.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Duterte has something for everyone to hate...the anti-American left likes his anti-American rhetoric but most of these types are bleeding-hearts and so disagree with his ruthless extrajudicial killings and his Trumpesque tone...the center and right folks dislike his aggressive and uncouth tone and his anti-American rhetoric but don't mind so much his strong hand in dealing with the byproduct late 20th century cultural anti-social behavior. It will be interesting to see how he behaves while in Japan...my bet is he says something both sides can be offended by in regards to Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War 2 or the ongoing China vs everyone sea disputes. Time is the enemy of leaders like Duterte, he will eventually isolate himself and his country from the normative global community.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

There must be some reason he is scheduled to meet Emperor. Japanese govt is secretive. Maybe his anti US base speech, j agreeing?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Who in the world set up a meeting with the Japanese emperor? It baffles me that this meeting was ever set up. The U.S. is a big boy and used to being spat at, and will deal with Dutete's insults, but those with thinner skins will surely be upset. I feel sorry for the Emperor that he has to sit through this ordeal.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

why waste time to meet with someone so low? use the time to enjoy matcha and sweet.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

What odds are betting houses giving on Duterte going for the butt grab?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAwiLjFDvIY - NFL referee giving a little bit extra

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Imagine if he suddenly showed the emperor a picture showing the brutality of IJA soldiers to the Filipinos during WW2, like what he did when he showed Obama and ASEAN leaders that picture of American soldiers with dead Filipino Muslims more than 100 years ago.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I, for one, sincerely hope he DOES chew gum or other apparently "bad manners in Japan" things in front of the Emperor, just to see the reaction of horror from Japanese officials. That would make some excellent entertainment.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Duterte has no controlled over his mouth and behavior. He doesn't behave like President. Japanese Government's worrying over Duterte's bad mouth and his manner in front of Emperor is not over reaction and it can be nightmare for Government.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday urged foreign businesses in the Philippines worried about his deadly drug war to "pack up and leave".

How can that country becoming prosperous again under Duterte presidency? If he thinks Communist China investment alone will sort out his poverty stricken country and then he will be most idiots President of Philippine. US and EU can introduce economy sanction against his country for human right abuse in Philippine. I don't argue about cracking down on drug or war on drug but murdering someone without trial is not the solution for drug problem. If someone hate you and then you can be shot and killed by your hater on the street and then put a few drug in your pocket. No Police will investigate the killing. Where is the justice? There’s no justice in the street of Philippine now. Everyone is right to be afraid of murdering by their business rivals. I believe Duterte should be removing from power for best interest of Philippine and its citizens.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

There are many Fillipon people in Japan who work in worker shortage factories. Maybe gov't hoping more workers from Filli'ine with his cooperation?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

They will cut Duerte slack I hope.

He's an ally of Japan, and the two have overcome the past to build a strong friendship and alliance.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Is Japan that desperate to set up a meeting with Emperor and Duterte? Maybe so.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Do people still think the emperor is God? I am about showing respect for your elders and a sense of seniority, but that is a little too much.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Duterte is a joke! His administration boasts back home that JAPAN starts hiring filipino workers thanks to DUTERTE'S efforts, but tell the Filipino community here in Tokyo that his goal is to end Filipino working overseas! COME ON! What really is your plan exactly!?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

DTR's plan is simple even grade 1 kid understand no problem.

Present PH poor so glad Japan open work to Philippinos but hope in future after 6 years of clean no graft and corruption government ... ok ... pay attention... hoping in future as in future... no need to leave PH to work!

See? Very elementary!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The comments about appropriate behavior in front of the "formerly godlike" emperor struck a dissonant chord for me. Just finished watching both the movies "Emperor" and then "MacArthur". The emperor isn't a God anymore.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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