An undocumented Filipino couple under a deportation order departed for the Philippines on April 13 from Narita International Airport, leaving behind their 13-year-old daughter, Noriko, who was recently granted special permission to stay for one year.

Noriko Calderon KYODO PHOTO

Relatives and colleagues of Arlan Calderon, 36, and his 38-year-old wife, Sarah, gathered at the family's home in Warabi, Saitama Prefecture, on April 13 to bid the couple farewell.

While expressing sadness, Calderon said: "I want to thank everyone. Not just the people of Warabi, but those across the nation for supporting me and my family's cause.

"Noriko is here, so I hope we can return to her side as soon as possible."