Obama to meet Hatoyama, emperor and speak at Suntory Hall during visit

Tuesday 10th November, 09:43 AM JST

WASHINGTON —

U.S. President Barack Obama will meet with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama in Tokyo on Friday night for talks expected to reaffirm a sound and strong bilateral alliance, the White House said Monday. Briefing reporters on Obama’s Japan trip starting later this week, Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser for strategic communication, said the bilateral summit is due to begin around 7 p.m. Friday and to be followed by a joint press conference.

Rhodes also said Obama will deliver a speech on U.S. policy toward Asia at Tokyo’s Suntory Hall at 10 a.m. the following day ‘‘to discuss his view of American engagement in Asia as it relates to the political, security and economic dimensions, and to also reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Japanese alliance.’‘

After the speech, Obama is scheduled to have an audience with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko later Saturday, and leave for Singapore, where he will attend the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

It will be Obama’s first visit to Japan since assuming office in January. He held a bilateral summit with Hatoyama in New York in September on the fringes of the U.N. General Assembly meetings. The trip will also take him to China and South Korea.

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15 Comments

Brainiac at 09:46 AM JST - 10th November

Since yesterday, there have been police at several subway stations. I passed through Kamiyacho this morning and there was one cop, looking bored, just leaning against a pylon. I wonder what they are supposed to be on the lookout for, ahead of Obama's visit.
Sarge at 09:53 AM JST - 10th November

This means I probably won't get my favorite table for my mid morning snack in front of Suntory Hall.
ratpack at 10:03 AM JST - 10th November

After the speech, Obama is scheduled to have an audience with Emperor Akihito........so what this means is he will shake his hand and answer any questions the Emperor asks....oh and we forgot to tell you el capitan...you can't ask the Emperor any questions!!!!
combinibento at 10:05 AM JST - 10th November

Just curious - is there a way for us peons to get tickets to the speech?
Tatanka at 11:21 AM JST - 10th November

There is at least 12-inch difference in their heights, so I wonder if Obama is going to bow to the emperor like he did when he greeted the Saudi King. At that time, the WH used the height difference excuse...
WilliB at 11:22 AM JST - 10th November

Will be interesting to see if the Japanese emperor gets the UK royalty treatment (slapping the queen on the back, and an iPod with Obama speeches as state gift), or the Arab treatment (a deep submissing bow to King Fahd).
my2sense at 11:39 AM JST - 10th November

Yes... anyone who knows how to score tickets to this at Suntory Hall in Akasaka pls post!!! Cheers!
realist at 01:29 PM JST - 10th November

WiLLiB Good point. I will be watching closely to see what Obama does this time. He is inconsistent in his approach to foreign Heads of State. His treatment of Queen Elizabeth was shameful, compared to his a$$ licking attitude to the King of Saudi Arabia. I wonder what he will do when he meets the Emperor here? I suppose they will have some things in common - Emperor Akihito`s father thought he was a "god" while Obama thinks he is God.
ashika1009 at 02:15 PM JST - 10th November

In this video, folks are asked questions about President Obama and the vice-president. What is the name of the US vice-president? Is the main question. Many Americans don`t know the answer! Dumb America on display for you!Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EALYveaLctU&feature=player_embedded
smithinjapan at 02:54 PM JST - 10th November

Tatanka, WilliB, realist: Ah, you silly boys. Rest assured your nation's reputation is in good hands. At least the man won't be dancing around like a monkey and speaking worse English than the PM of Japan (ahem, like your last president).

Remember: bowing is a show of honour and respect; your former POTUS simply ki$$ing a$$ is a sign of inability. Don't confuse the two.
MrUSA at 04:02 PM JST - 10th November

I hope Obama doesn't barf on Hatoyama!
Stranger_in_a_Strange_Land at 05:32 PM JST - 10th November

I predict the emperor will ask Obama if he can eat raw fish or umeboshi.
victimcrat at 08:15 PM JST - 10th November

Both these men will be toxic to their own parties within 2 years.
vajra at 03:19 AM JST - 11th November

I wonder if there will be like 5 zillion girls screaming "Barry" at the airport ?
Gombei424Canada at 04:16 PM JST - 13th November

Tis sad that Obama will only stay in the Kanto region.I wish I wish I wish he could come to Kansai!!!!Is it asking TOO much for him to visit Hirakata???? There is nothing here, except the stupid water park.

Well, anyways, whatever he decides I will praise it.