Filipinos in Japan appear optimistic about changes Duterte is making

While all eyes are glued on new Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his brutal crackdown on drug traffickers, Filipinos living in Japan appear optimistic about the changes he is making back home and hope ties between the two nations will grow stronger. Duterte, also known for making controversial comments is arriving Tuesday for a three-day visit to Japan, his first here since he assumed office in June. “I can’t wait to see” Duterte make many changes in the Philippines, said 52-year-old housewife Jocelyn Otsuka, who has lived in Japan for 25 years. Image: Reproduction/NHK She was interviewed by The Japan Times while visiting Catholic Koiwa Church in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, on Sunday. She said she supports Duterte in his war against the drug trade. In September, Duterte said he would be “happy to slaughter” an estimated 3 million addicts in the Philippines. So far, roughly 4,000 suspected dealers and users...