By Robina Asido

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left on Thursday for a ''working visit'' in Japan where he will attend the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, have business meetings and meet the Philippine community.

In a Malacanang briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the First Couple and a small delegatiion left for Japan Thursday early afternoon.

"The president has just left for Japan today. As far as I know, as we start (our press briefing) his aircraft is now on its way to Japan," she said.

"The president will visit to inaugurate, visit and show off the Philippine Pavillion in the World Expo 2025 because it highlights... of course our rich heritage and beautiful landscapes,'' said Castro.

She did not say how long the President and his delegation will stay in Osaka, with Castro saying that it will last until the weekend.

Castro said Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella and Education Secretary Sonny Angara were assigned as government caretakers.

This is Marcos' third foreign trip this year and the third time he is visiting Japan since he assumed the presidency in 2022.

The 2025 World Exposition in Osaka which will run until October 13, was formally opened in a ceremony last April 12. DMS