President Donald J. Trump met with Japanese Emperor Naruhito at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace on Monday, in a ceremony marking a key moment in his Asia tour.

The visit was part of a larger itinerary that also includes talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea later this week.

The encounter between the U.S. President and the Japanese monarch lasted approximately thirty-five minutes, according to reports, and reflects the enduring importance of the United States-Japan alliance.

The two leaders exchanged cordial greetings and commended the strength of bilateral cooperation in trade, defence and regional stability.

The meeting comes against a backdrop of heightened strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region, where both nations are working to uphold a “free and open” principle in the face of shifting geoeconomic and security dynamics.

With Japan recently selecting its first female prime minister, the timing of the U.S. President’s visit underscores Tokyo’s intention to reaffirm robust ties with Washington.

During the audience, President Trump described Japan as “a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in the region and the world,” while the Emperor spoke of the deep bonds between the two countries and the shared responsibility of promoting peace and advancement.

The event also provided a platform for the United States to highlight its long-standing commitment to its ally in East Asia.

As the visit continues, the focus will shift to high-level meetings with Prime Minister Takaichi and a naval base visit, signalling Washington’s interest in Japan’s evolving security posture and investment strategies.

The Japan stop is expected to set the tone for the U.S. President’s forthcoming engagement with China in South Korea and his broader Indo-Pacific agenda.