President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE arrived in Tokyo on Saturday for his weekend trip to be the first state guest of Japan since the enthronement of its new emperor.

Trump's plane landed just before 5 p.m. local time at the Haneda Airport, with the president and first lady Melania Trump Melania TrumpTrump privately blamed Black Americans for lacking initiative: report The Hill's 12:30 Report: Ginsburg lies in repose Melania Trump: Ginsburg's 'spirit will live on in all she has inspired' MORE greeted by multiple U.S. and Japanese officials on the tarmac, according to White House pool reports.

Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Kono and his wife, Kaori; U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty; Commander of U.S. Forces Japan Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider; and other Japanese diplomatic officials were on hand for the arrival.

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The president then headed to a reception with more than two dozen Japanese business leaders at the U.S. ambassador's residence. Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney Mick MulvaneyOn The Money: House panel pulls Powell into partisan battles | New York considers hiking taxes on the rich | Treasury: Trump's payroll tax deferral won't hurt Social Security Blockchain trade group names Mick Mulvaney to board Mick Mulvaney to start hedge fund MORE and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer Robert (Bob) Emmet LighthizerWhiskey, workers and friends caught in the trade dispute crossfire GOP senator warns quick vote on new NAFTA would be 'huge mistake' Pelosi casts doubt on USMCA deal in 2019 MORE were expected to be among those at the gathering Saturday evening.

"We walk off the plane and here we are along with probably 40 of the greatest business leaders in the world," Trump quipped during a short speech at the reception. "You really have some people who have just been incredible, incredible investors in our country."

Trump emphasized the economic bond between the U.S. and Japan, saying the relationship "has never been stronger" or "more powerful." However, he also argued that trade will be "a little bit more fair" after a bilateral deal is sealed.

"Japan has had a substantial edge for many, many years, but that’s OK. Maybe that’s why you like us so much," he said.

After arriving in Tokyo, President @realDonaldTrump spoke with Japanese business leaders at the U. S. Ambassador to Japan’s residence. pic.twitter.com/IhYaUv57Sn — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 25, 2019

Trump is slated to play golf on Sunday morning with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before attending a sumo tournament, a major part of Japanese culture. There, Trump is expected to offer a branded trophy to the champion. A senior White House official said Saturday that the trophy measures roughly 54 inches tall and weighs at least 60 pounds, calling it the "President's Cup."

The overseas trip, which falls over the Memorial Day weekend, gives Trump an opportunity to cast aside partisan wars in Washington for a few days. The visit will include a number of ceremonial moments, with less focus on substantive policy discussions, though trade and North Korea are expected to come up during a bilateral meeting.