Tokyo, Oct 27 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has touched down in Tokyo this Monday afternoon, marking the commencement of his two-day official working visit to Japan, which represents the second phase of his three-nation tour across Asia.

During his stay, Trump is slated to engage with Emperor Naruhito and participate in a pivotal US-Japan Summit alongside Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

As a warm welcome, Japan's iconic structures, such as the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, have been adorned with special lighting inspired by the star-spangled banner.

“Excited to see you tomorrow and engage in fruitful discussions on how we can further reinforce our esteemed alliance. The special lighting in honor of President Trump’s visit is now illuminating landmarks throughout Tokyo!” Takaichi shared on X following Trump's arrival.

This marks Trump’s fourth visit to Japan as President and his first since June 2019.

“Trump's visit to Japan represents a significant opportunity to enhance the Japan-US alliance, and the Government of Japan extends a warm welcome to him,” an earlier statement from Japan's Foreign Ministry proclaimed.

On October 25, Takaichi, while in Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN meetings, conversed with Trump via telephone, affirming their commitment to elevate the Japan-US alliance to unprecedented levels.

Takaichi highlighted that fortifying the Japan-US alliance remains a paramount goal for Japan's foreign and security policies.

“Prime Minister Takaichi also emphasized Japan's crucial role as a partner to the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, aspiring to collaborate on realizing a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' (FOIP). She expressed her admiration for President Trump's leadership in achieving a recent agreement in the Middle East,” the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented post-call.

Trump remarked on Takaichi being a “great friend” of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who tragically lost his life during a campaign speech in 2022.

“Abe was a true friend of mine, as you know,” Trump stated. “He held Takaichi in high regard, and she reciprocated those feelings. This is a promising sign. I eagerly anticipate our meeting.”

According to Kyodo News, Takaichi's focus on enhancing Japan's defense capabilities and increasing collaboration with the United States in strategic sectors is expected to resonate well with Trump.

“Plans for collaboration in shipbuilding are among several agreements set to be finalized by Japan and the United States before Trump departs for South Korea on Wednesday morning, as per government sources. The Trump administration has committed to rejuvenating shipbuilding capabilities in the US in light of China’s rising influence in the industry. Joint initiatives to enhance supply chains for critical minerals essential for high-tech industries and to boost imports of American agricultural products to Japan are also part of a trade agreement established over the summer after extensive negotiations prompted by Trump's tariffs,” Kyodo News reported.

Additionally, to demonstrate the resilience of the longstanding alliance, Takaichi is expected to accompany Trump aboard Marine One for a visit to the US naval base located in a port city near Tokyo, followed by a tour of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington.