U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday called for an early implementation of Japan's plan to increase defence spending, but said he had made no specific demand on the scale of the increase in a meeting with his Japanese counterpart.

Trump met with new Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi, who heralded the start of a “new golden age” in the bilateral relationship following tricky trade talks.

President Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aboard the USS George Washington, announcing missile deliveries to Japan's Self-Defense Forces.

"In such a short period of time the world started to enjoy more peace," Japanese Prime Minsiter Sanae Takaichi said.

In Asia for the first time this term, Donald Trump is expected to work on investment deals and peace efforts before meeting face-to-face with Chinese President Xi Jinping to try to deescalate a trade war.

The red carpet was rolled out for Trump by Japan's Sanae Takaichi, who has only been prime minister since last week.

Japan has designated 14 airports and 26 seaports for use by its military and coast guard during a contingency.

U.S. President Donald Trump discussed trade with Japan's newly elected leader Sanae Takaichi as Trump began one of the busiest days of his Asia trip.

Japan’s recently elected first female premier met the U.S. President on Tuesday to try to set a new tone for U.S.-Japan relations.

US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent has called on the new administration in Tokyo to grant the Bank of Japan “policy space” to fight persistent inflation, helping send stocks to an all-time high.