US President Donald Trump addressed troops aboard the aircraft carrier, USS George Washington, which is stationed in Japan
He told cheering troops that he is not going to be "politically correct", adding that "if we're in a war, we're going to win the war"
Earlier, he signed a rare earths deal with Japan's newly elected prime minister Sanae Takaichi
He also had high praise for Takaichi as the two leaders heralded a "golden age" in their countries' alliance
Takaichi told the troops that Japan was "committed to reinforcing defence capabilities"
After Japan, Trump flies to South Korea, where he will meet the Chinese leader Xi Jinping
'If we're in a war, we're going to win the war': Trump addresses troops on US carrier in Japan
Image source, Getty ImagesTrump's week-long Asia tour has brought him to Malaysia and Japan and it will end at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in South Korea later this week, where he is scheduled to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Takaichi is planning to recommend Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, according to multiple Japanese media reports.
She is making arrangements to inform Trump of her intentions, according to NTV. Pakistan and Cambodia have already nominated Trump for the prize.
Anthony Zurcher
North America correspondent, travelling with the president
Image source, BBC/Anthony ZurcherA military honour guard stood at attention while a band played US and Japanese national anthems as well as military marches.
President Trump and PM Takaichi stories at the centre, flanked by advisors. Accompanying Trump were secretaries Rubio, Bessent and Lutnik. Also present were Susie Wiles and Stephen Miller.
Trump and Takaichi reviewed the soldiers and greeted the advisors.
Image source, BBC/Anthony ZurcherTrump has arrived at the Akasaka Palace for his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Stay with us for more updates.
Shaimaa Khalil
Tokyo correspondent
President Trump is expected to push Japan to shoulder more of the security burden and increase defence spending — Takaichi’s announcement of the 2% defence spending hike coming in March will go down well with the US leader.
On trade and economy - he'll press for greater US access to Japan’s auto and agriculture markets — urging Tokyo to buy more American rice and soybeans. That could unsettle Japan’s powerful farm lobby, and Takaichi will need to reassure rural voters that their livelihoods are protected.
Shaimaa Khalil
Tokyo correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesFor Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi — Japan's first female leader — it’s an early test of both her diplomacy and her leadership. She’s hosting Trump just days after taking office, at a moment when Japan faces a more uncertain regional landscape.
On defence and security, Tokyo will want to reaffirm that its defence alliance with Washington remains solid, especially as tensions simmer in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
Takaichi wants to draw in more US investment while shielding key domestic sectors. The details of a new US-Japan tariff deal are still being worked out. And Japan - already investing more than $550bn in the US - will want that partnership to open doors for Japanese companies, especially in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
For Takaichi, a protégé of the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe — who built a famously close rapport with Trump — this is as much a test of personal diplomacy as policy. A chance to show she can manage Japan’s most important alliance — and hold her own on the world stage.
Image source, Getty ImagesUS President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shortly on the second day of his high-stakes trip to Asia.
Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan, is a conservative like Trump and just a few days ago the US president congratulated her on her election as PM. He also praised her for being a "highly respected person of great wisdom and strength".
Today's meeting will test whether Takaichi can build a relationship with Trump, who had friendly ties with her mentor, the late PM Shinzo Abe. It will also test how well she can deal with the US leader on trade and defence.
Stay with us as we bring you live updates from our correspondents on the ground in Tokyo.