US President Donald Trump received a warm welcome in Japan on Monday. His visit marked another key stop in his five-day Asia tour, where he aims to seal a trade truce with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Earlier, Trump struck investment and trade deals with four Southeast Asian countries during his visit to Malaysia. Now, he hopes to wrap up his trip with a breakthrough agreement with China.

US officials confirmed that negotiators from both nations had settled on a framework to pause higher American tariffs and China’s rare earth export curbs. As a result, Asian stock markets rose sharply.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for President Xi and I think we’re going to come away with a deal,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One before landing in Tokyo.

Trump Meets Emperor Naruhito and Tours Tokyo

After landing, Trump, dressed in a blue suit and gold tie, greeted Japanese officials on the tarmac. He then boarded a helicopter for a night tour of Tokyo before meeting Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace.

Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi — the country’s first woman to hold the post — plans to strengthen the Japan–US partnership. During the visit, she is expected to announce major trade commitments, including purchases of American trucks, soybeans, and gas, along with a new shipbuilding pact.

Over the weekend, she spoke to Trump by phone and called the alliance her “top priority.”

Trump Secures Massive Investment from Tokyo

Trump has already won a $550 billion investment pledge from Japan in exchange for tariff relief. He praised Takaichi for her leadership and recalled his friendship with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

“I think she’s going to be great,” Trump said, calling her a strong ally of the US.

Meanwhile, Tokyo is under heavy security. Thousands of police officers have been deployed across the capital. Authorities arrested a knife-wielding man outside the US embassy on Friday, and anti-Trump protests are planned in Shinjuku.

Trade and Defence on the Agenda

Trump and Takaichi will meet formally at Akasaka Palace on Tuesday — the same place where Trump last met Abe six years ago. A military honour guard will welcome him.

Their talks will centre on trade and defence. Takaichi plans to reaffirm her decision to speed up Japan’s biggest military buildup since World War II.

Trump’s visit highlights his push to strengthen alliances in Asia while balancing rising tensions with China.

Next Stop: South Korea

Trump will head to South Korea on Wednesday to meet President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju. Officials said both nations have agreed on a trade framework, though the final deal will take more time to complete.

With this visit, Trump aims to reinforce US influence across Asia and build momentum toward a lasting economic and security partnership.