U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Tokyo on Monday, receiving a warm royal welcome as part of his five-day Asia trip.
The visit underscores key discussions on trade, investment, and security with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Trump's itinerary follows announcements of deals with Southeast Asian nations in Malaysia and precedes a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Asian stocks surged after U.S. officials revealed a framework to pause escalating tariffs and export controls on rare earths.
Trump, dressed in a blue suit and gold tie, landed at Haneda Airport and was greeted by U.S. Ambassador George Glass and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.
A scenic helicopter tour showcased Tokyo's skyline illuminated in American flag colors.
He then met Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace, marking the first foreign leader to do so since the emperor's 2019 ascension.
The symbolic encounter was followed by preparations for Tuesday's summit at Akasaka Palace, complete with a military honor guard.
Thousands of police secured the capital amid recent threats, including an arrest outside the U.S. embassy.
Trump expressed optimism about Takaichi, a close ally of his late friend Shinzo Abe, stating aboard Air Force One that she would be great for bilateral ties.
In a weekend call, Takaichi affirmed that strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance is her top priority.
The agenda features a $550 billion Japanese investment pledge in exchange for tariff relief, with potential expansions into shipbuilding and power grids.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa discussed these over sushi, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama on fiscal policy.
Takaichi plans to announce purchases of U.S. pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas, alongside a shipbuilding memorandum.
On security, she aims to accelerate defense spending to 2% of GDP by fiscal year-end, revising key strategy documents for higher budgets amid regional tensions.
Japan hosts significant U.S. forces, but Trump has pressed for more contributions against China's assertiveness.
Takaichi's coalition lacks a parliamentary majority, complicating further commitments beyond the 2% target.
Trump's team views the framework positively, though no immediate hikes in monetary policy were discussed.
The visit tests Takaichi's diplomacy early in her tenure, building on Abe's rapport with Trump.