Palace mourns passing of ex-Japanese PM Yasuhiro Nakasone

Nakasone had been conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Collar (Raja) in 1983 for his contribution to strengthening Philippines-Japan diplomatic ties, Panelo said. (File Photo By 首相官邸ホームページ, CC BY 4.0)

MANILA — Malacañang mourned the passing of former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone on Friday at the age of 101.

In a statement on Sunday night, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo described Nakasone as “a great friend of the Philippines”.

“The Palace expresses its sincere condolences to the Japanese government and the Japanese people for the passing of former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone,” Panelo said.

Nakasone had been conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Collar (Raja) in 1983 for his contribution to strengthening Philippines-Japan diplomatic ties, Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, offered prayers that the Japanese leader would rest in happiness and peace.

Nakasone’s son, Hirofumi, confirmed his father’s death on Friday at a Tokyo hospital where he was being treated.

Nakasone, a World War II navy officer, pushed for the strengthening of the military ties between Japan and the US.

In his inaugural speech in 1982, Nakasone described the US as “the most important partner for Japan”.

He was known for his warm relations with US President Ronald Reagan.

He also served as defense chief, the top of the powerful Ministry of International Trade and Industry, and secretary-general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party before becoming prime minister from 1982 to 1987.

The late Prime Minister also lobbied for revision of the war-renouncing US-drafted constitution, a long-time cause that no postwar leader has achieved to date.

Nakasone is survived by his son Hirofumi, two daughters, and three grandchildren.