NHK covered live the outdoor welcome ceremony held for President Trump and the First Lady at the Imperial Palace and their audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako inside the palace this morning. On their noon news programs NHK and all commercial networks reported in detail on the ceremony and the audience, with NHK saying that this is the first time in five years for a U.S. President to visit Japan as a state guest and the first time for the new Emperor and Empress to receive President Trump and the First Lady. NHK and TBS said that the President reportedly told the Emperor at the outset of the meeting that he is honored to be received as the first state guest after the Emperor’s ascension to the throne. According to the broadcasters, the Emperor reportedly said in reply that he is pleased to welcome President Trump as the first state guest after the enthronement.

The national dailies also reported on the President’s state call on the Emperor, saying that the meeting was held in an amicable atmosphere. The papers wrote that when asked by the President how former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko are doing, the Emperor reportedly said that they asked him to give their regards to the President and the First Lady. Asahi wrote that the First Lady and Empress Masako talked about such issues as their children’s education, sports, and the First Lady’s youth education initiative.