Day #3 Schedule – President Trump State Visit to Japan….

Tokyo Japan is 13 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern timezone. As a result, much of the diplomatic activity for the final day of the state visit happens in the late night hours.
Today is the final day of the official visit which included the first state visit hosted by the Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to celebrate the new imperial era of “Reiwa”.
The visit has been a resounding success for Japan and the United States of America.
Today, the President and First Lady will honor the military.  Specifically and purposefully the President will showcase the strategic U.S-Japan military alliance, and deliver remarks to commemorate Memorial Day.  At the conclusion of events the President and First Lady will bid farewell to our good friends in Japan.

9:15am (Tokyo) / 8:15pm (U.S. EDT) THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY participate in a Farewell Call with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, Tokyo, Japan
9:35am (Tokyo) / 8:35pm (U.S. EDT) THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart the Palace Hotel en route to the Hardy Barracks Landing Zone, Tokyo, Japan
9:45am (Tokyo) / 8:45pm (U.S. EDT) THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at the Hardy Barracks Landing Zone, Tokyo, Japan
9:55am (Tokyo) / 8:55pm (U.S. EDT) THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart Hardy Barracks Landing Zone en route to JS Kaga Landing Zone, Tokyo, Japan [JS Kaga (DDH-184) is a helicopter carrier (officially classified by Japan as a helicopter destroyer) and the second constructed ship in the Izumo class of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF)]
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President Trump and First Lady Melania Attend Imperial Palace State Dinner Hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako…

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump become the first guests of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace.
The formal state dinner is the first of the era of Reiwa and intended to highlight an even stronger bond and alliance between the United States and Japan.  The formal dinner included toasts from each nation and the Imperial Household Orchestra playing the ceremonial anthems of both nations.
The dinner menu: •First Course – Consommé a la Royale, •Second Course – Turbot a la Meunière Sauce Tomate, •Third Course – Cote de Boeuf Rotie, •Fourth Course – Salade de Saison, •Fifth Course – Glace Mont Fuji, •Sixth Course – Dessert of melon and grapes.


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During remarks by U.S. President Trump he called the unique relationship between the United State and Japan a “treasured alliance” and quoted ancient Japanese poetry.
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President Trump and Prime Minister Abe Hold Joint Press Conference…

A fascinating press conference from the standpoint of President Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s united position toward the dynamic of North Korea.
It is obvious that Trump and Abe have a strategy for the next step in engagement with Chairman Kim Jong-un.  Notice how PM Abe gives prepared remarks specifically about direct talks, face-to-face talks, with Chairman Kim, facilitated by President Trump opening the door:


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Obviously President Trump trusts Prime Minister Abe as a strategic ally; and a big component of this state visit is the two leaders coordinating regional security issues. China confronted/contained, and simultaneously both partners working on the hostage rescue of Chairman Kim is incredibly consequential.
The strategic value of this state visit is much more than surface appearances.
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Geopolitical Tweeting – President Trump's Subtle Hostage Rescue Message to Chairman Xi…

As once noted by CIA Director Mike Pompeo, U.S. President Donald Trump often does geopolitical messaging through twitter that is missed by the U.S. media but hits the target as subtle as a brick through a window. President Trump’s latest tweet on North Korea is a prime example.
If you view this tweet with the perspective that Chairman Kim Jong-un is essentially a hostage of Beijing masters, controlling the upper tier of his military, things make a lot more sense:

…And given the nature of the public comments by President Trump and Prime Minister Abe (transcript pending) during the current state visit; it would appear that Trump has enlisted Abe in hostage rescue efforts.
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Remarks by President Trump and Shinzo Abe During Bilateral Discussions…

President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe deliver remarks and hold a bilateral press availability prior to bilateral discussion over issues of trade and regional security with North Korea.


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As the two leaders discuss matters of state, First Lady Melania Trump and Lady Akie Abe enjoy a cultural presentation (below).
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Formal Imperial Palace Welcome Ceremony – Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako Welcome U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump…

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump become the first guests of Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace.
Following custom there are three components to the state visit: (1) The guest arrival and formal greeting by the Emperor and Empress. (2) The ceremonial anthems of both nations and the presentation of the imperial guard.  (3) A “state call” or discussion of diplomatic matters between the Emperor, Empress and their honored guests.
During the official state call component there is an exchange of gifts. First, the arrival:


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The ‘inside palace’ greeting and introduction was not covered by international media. However, due to the significance of the visit (first of imperial era of Reiwa) it was broadcast on local Japanese media as below:
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Day #2 Schedule – President Trump State Visit With Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako…

Tokyo Japan is 13 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern timezone.  As a result, much of the diplomatic activity for the formal state visit happens in the overnight hours.
Today is a very special day as the official visit includes the first formal state banquet hosted by the Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to celebrate the new imperial era of “Reiwa,” which means “beautiful harmony”. The visit is a very big honor intended to convey the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and Japan.
The President and First Lady will be meeting the Japanese majesties twice today; in the morning for a formal welcoming ceremony, and again in the evening for the first official state dinner of the Reiwa era.  Additionally, during the business part of the visit, President Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are scheduled for a 2:00pm (local / 3:00am EDT) press conference after bilateral meetings.

9:15am (local) / 8:15pm (U.S. Eastern) THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart the Palace Hotel en route to Imperial Palace
9:20am (local) / 8:20pm (U.S. Eastern) THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY arrive at Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan
♦ 9:25am (local) / 8:25pm (U.S. Eastern) THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY attend a Welcome Ceremony at Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan
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First Lady Melania Trump Visits Mori Building Digital Art Museum…

While President Trump and Prime Minister Abe were playing golf, Madame Akie Abe took First Lady Melania Trump to the incredible Mori Building Digital Art Museum.
The digital art museum is maintained by Team Lab Borderless and has quickly become a very popular destination for visitors to Tokyo.  It is a massive installation, spanning 10,000 square meters, and divided into five worlds with about 60 exhibits among them.
UPDATE: Video Added


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Couples Dinner – Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Madame Akie Abe Host Casual Dinner…

President Trump and First Lady Melania attend a more casual dinner with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Madame Akie Abe.  The couples were friends prior to politics and enjoy spending time together.   Dinner is at Inakaya Hibachi restaurant, Tokyo.
First Course: Japanese potato with butter; Second Course: Salad; Third Course: Grilled chicken; Fourth Course: Wagyu beef steak with broccoli and carrots; Dessert: Vanilla ice cream.


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President Trump and First Lady Melania Attend Sumo Tournament – Present President's Cup Trophy…

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend one of the most time-honored and hallowed Japanese traditions: a sumo tournament.  As honored guests of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Madame Akai Abe the president and first lady visit Ryōgoku Kokugikan Stadium in the capital.
With more than 11,500 people in the arena seated on mats, the Trumps and the Abes were seated in a VIP section next to the sumo ring, also called ‘sacred mound’. At the end of the tournament, President Trump and Prime Minister Abe wear slippers to enter the sacred mound and Trump presents the “President’s Cup” trophy; a 5 foot 7-inch custom designed U.S. Trophy emblazoned with an eagle and weighing more than 60 pounds.  Fun stuff:


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