Trump becomes first foreign leader to meet Japan's new emperor

Donald Trump on Monday became the first foreign leader to meet with Japan's newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito.

US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump are accompanied by Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako during a welcome ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 27, 2019. [Photo: AFP]

The palace visit in the morning, followed by a royal banquet in the evening, was the main event in the trip that started Saturday and has seen Abe and Trump playing golf, eating out and watching sumo.

Dining with Abe and their wives at a typical Tokyo grill restaurant on Sunday, Trump said he "had a great time" and was looking forward to meeting Naruhito, who took the Chrysanthemum Throne only three weeks ago, after his father stepped down in the first abdication in two centuries.

"Tomorrow is really the main event -- a very important event in the history of Japan. It's over 200 years since something like this has happened. So it's a great honour to be representing the United States," Trump said.

After calling on Naruhito in the morning, Trump and Abe will meet for summit talks and have lunch, before holding a press conference.

Top Japanese and American trade negotiators spent more than two hours locked in talks on Saturday night but failed to achieve a breakthrough, although the Japanese side said there was more "understanding" between the two sides.

US President Donald Trump is escorted by Japan's Emperor Naruhito during a welcome ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 27, 2019. [Photo: AFP]

(Story includes material sourced from AFP.)