President Trump and the First Lady return from Japan

President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made a historic visit to Japan over Memorial Day weekend, becoming the first official state guests of Japan’s newly enthroned Emperor.

On May 1, former Crown Prince Naruhito acceded to the Chrysanthemum throne to become Japan’s 126^th Emperor. He replaced his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito. Naruhito assumes the reign of the oldest continuous dynasty in the world.

Watch: President Trump presents trophy to Sumo Grand Champion

Japan’s new Imperial Era is called “Reiwa,” which means “beautiful harmony.” President Trump and the First Lady congratulated the Japanese people on this latest chapter in their history. “Your Majesty, the First Lady and I will never forget this gracious invitation, and we thank the people of Japan for their incredible hospitality and warm welcome in this majestic land,” the President said during a State Banquet at the Imperial Palace.

“I carry with me the hopes of the American people for the treasured alliance between our countries. And we enter this next phase of our prospering relationship.”

From the moment the President and First Lady stepped off the tarmac, they were treated to some of Japan’s awe-inspiring culture. Among the highlights was attending a sumo wrestling championship in Tokyo, where President Trump presented the “President’s Cup”—a first-of-its kind, 60-lb. trophy awarded to Japan’s grand champion.

Since his election, President Trump has worked with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—who the President calls a dear friend—to build a true global partnership centered on robust security, technological advancement, and economic progress. Together, the two countries are defending free and open societies while taking steps to strengthen our own shared prosperity, including through fair and balanced trade deals.

Under President Trump, America’s partnership with Japan is better than ever.

President Trump thanks our troops

President Trump spoke to both U.S. and Japanese troops at Yokosuka Naval Base during his weekend trip. Aboard a Japanese destroyer, the JS Kaga, he explained that the shared service between our two nations’ sailors is a living testament to the “enduring power of our incredible partnership.”

In honor of Memorial Day, the President and First Lady spoke to American service members on the USS Wasp, docked in Japan. “Today, the unbreakable resolve of [our fallen] heroes lives on in every American who wears our great uniform,” the President said to a crowd of 1,000 American sailors and Marines.

“On behalf of all Americans, we thank you.”

Something to share: President Trump thanks our troops aboard the USS Wasp