Emperor Naruhito greeted U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday as his first state guest since ascending the throne May 1, with the two affirming the closeness of ties between the countries that were once wartime foes.
Trump and first lady Melania were received by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako throughout the day, starting with a welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo in the morning and a state banquet in the evening.
The Japanese government chose the Trumps to become the first state guests of the new Reiwa Era, which began with the abdication of Emperor Akihito, the first Japanese monarch to step down in 202 years.