Japan wary over Philippine leader's policy, manners

FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 file photo, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, right, is shown the way by Chinese President Xi Jinping before a signing ceremony in Beijing, China. Japanese officials are wary ahead of the arrival of outspoken Duterte. Their concern is not only about his foreign policy toward the U.S., but also about his informal style. They are paranoid about him chewing gum in front of the Emperor. Duterte arrives in Tokyo later Tuesday for a three-day visit, his first as Philippine leader. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, Pool, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this May 9, 2016 file photo, then front-running Philippine presidential candidate Mayor Rodrigo Duterte votes in a polling precinct at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in his hometown Davao city, southern Philippines. Japanese officials are wary ahead of the arrival of outspoken Philippine President Duterte. Their concern is not only about his foreign policy toward the U.S., but also about his informal style. They are paranoid about him chewing gum in front of the Emperor. Duterte arrives in Tokyo later Tuesday, Oct.25 for a three-day visit, his first as Philippine leader. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File) (The Associated Press)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during a news conference prior to boarding his flight for a three-day official visit to Japan at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. Duterte lashed out anew at the United States following Monday's interview with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel who said that Duterte's controversial remarks and a "real climate of uncertainty" about the government's intentions have sparked consternation in the U.S. and other governments and in the corporate world. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) (The Associated Press)

Japanese officials are wary ahead of the arrival of outspoken Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Their concern is not only about his foreign policy toward the U.S., but also about his informal style. They are paranoid about him chewing gum in front of the Emperor.

Duterte arrives in Tokyo later Tuesday for a three-day visit, his first as Philippine leader and as his recent remarks on foreign policy and freewheeling style have captured national attention here.

For diplomats and political leaders, the main issue is Duterte's foreign policy toward Washington and how Japan can help mend their ties, but they are also worked about his manners. In a country where formality and politeness are highly valued, just about everything Duterte stands out.