Tokyo, 4 February 2019: Chancellor Angela Merkel has arrived in Japan for a two-day visit. The first item on her itinerary took her to the official residence of Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The Prime Minister welcomed her with military honours. The two leaders have known one another for more then ten years. Both are serving their fourth term of office.
Since his first meeting with the Chancellor in Berlin, they have met many times and have established deep trust, said Shinzo Abe. This meeting focused on global issues and economic matters.
The two countries aim to cooperate more closely in numerous areas - "for stability and the prosperity of the international community". On 1 February the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement came into effect.
The "long-standing friendship, which in 2021 will celebrate 160 years of diplomatic relations" is an incentive to further develop cooperation, re-affirmed Angela Merkel.
Tokyo, 5 February 2019: Day two began with a meeting with Emperor Akihito. It was the third time that the Emperor had received the Chancellor. An audience with the Emperor is considered to be a great honour.
The Chancellor later visited Keio University, one of the oldest universities in Japan. More than 33,000 students, including about 50 Germans, are currently studying at the private university, which was founded in 1858.
The Chancellor discussed German-Japanese relations and the challenges of the future with students.
In the early afternoon, Angela Merkel met with Crown Prince Naruhito. He will ascend the throne in May.
In the showroom of the company NEC Angela Merkel later found out more about possible applications of artificial intelligence. Germany and Japan intend to step up cooperation in this area.
The Chancellor's next visit to Japan is scheduled for June, when the G20 summit will be held in Osaka. The Chancellor plans to attend the summit.