plays golf with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Donald Trump is on a golf outing with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.

The president arrived by helicopter at the Mobara Country Club Landing Zone in Chiba on Sunday morning. 

He shared a quick handshake with his counterpart, who he was seeing for the first time since he arrived the evening before.

He said in a tweet, ‘Going to play golf right now with @AbeShinzo. Japan loves the game. Tremendous fans of @JackNicklaus, @TigerWoods, and @PhilMickelson — I said what about @GaryPlayer, they said we love Gary too!’

Donald Trump is on a golf outing with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo

Donald Trump is on a golf outing with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo

The president's helicopter, Marine One, landed on the course at Mobara Country Club in Chiba on Saturday

The president's helicopter, Marine One, landed on the course at Mobara Country Club in Chiba on Saturday

The president and the Japanese premier warmly greeted each other before playing a round of golf on Saturday

The president and the Japanese premier warmly greeted each other before playing a round of golf on Saturday

In true Trumpian style, Abe welcomed the first couple with a tweet and a photo of the Tokyo Skytree, which the government lit up in the colors of the American flag. 'Reiwa' is the Japanese name for the new imperial era, which began on May 1 - the day on which Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne. Japan says that 'reiwa' is loosely translated as 'beautiful harmony'

In true Trumpian style, Abe welcomed the first couple with a tweet and a photo of the Tokyo Skytree, which the government lit up in the colors of the American flag. 'Reiwa' is the Japanese name for the new imperial era, which began on May 1 - the day on which Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne. Japan says that 'reiwa' is loosely translated as 'beautiful harmony'

Trump spent the morning tweeting about North Korea, Jussie Smollett and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. 

He was not in the mood to talk when he saw reporters, however, declining to respond to shouted questions.

Abe and Trump play golf almost every time they meet, most recently in April outside of Washington. He gave Trump a gold golf driver after the political novice won the 2016 presidential election in America. 

The Japanese prime minister was not at the airport when the president and first lady arrived on Saturday evening local time. He sent his foreign minister to greet them.

They have a long day of events that begin with golf and end with a dinner with their respective spouses. In between, they’ll attend the final round of a sumo tournament, where Trump will present a 60-pound cup to the victor.

In true Trumpian style, Abe welcomed the first couple with a tweet and a photo of the Tokyo Skytree, which the government lit up in the colors of the American flag.

‘President Trump and the First Lady are staying in Japan as the first State Guests of the new era “Reiwa”! TOKYO SKYTREE welcomes their historic visit with a special lighting inspired by the Stars and Stripes. Akie and I are looking forward to seeing them tomorrow!’ he said.

Abe takes the wheel of the golf cart with the president sitting beside him on Saturday

Abe takes the wheel of the golf cart with the president sitting beside him on Saturday

Reporters and photographers take pictures and shout questions at the two leaders during their photo-op handshake on the golf course

Reporters and photographers take pictures and shout questions at the two leaders during their photo-op handshake on the golf course

Secret Service agents are ready on the green ahead of the president's golf game with Abe on Saturday

Secret Service agents are ready on the green ahead of the president's golf game with Abe on Saturday

The first couple landed just after 5 pm local time and were greeted on the tarmac by Japan's foreign minister, Taro Kono, after 16 hours of flights from Washington.

A senior White House official told press before Trump left that trade negotiations were not the focus of the trip and were unlikely to come up. 

But Trump signaled with his tweet that he plans to will the conversation in that direction. 

He told business leaders in Tokyo minutes after he landed that he wants Japan to remove barriers inhibiting the sale of American exports and purchase more of the United States' defense products.

In off-the-cuff remarks at a dinner attended by executives of prominent Japanese brands like Toyota and Softbank, he said, 'Japan has had a substantial edge for many many years.

'That's OK. Maybe that's why you like us so much. But we'll get it a little bit more fair, I think. I think we'll do that,' he stated.

He said Japan can reduce the imbalance by purchasing additional jets, missiles and rockets from the United States - and suggested the military equipment could come in handy soon.

'We also have a tremendous relationship on the military, and Japan is ordering a great deal of military equipment. We make the best equipment in the world,' he claimed. 'And so, Japan is doing very large orders, and we appreciate that, and we think it's probably appropriate right now with everything that's going on. The world is changing.' 

'We just spent many, many hours on the plane,' President Trump said at the Saturday evening dinner. 'Here we are. We just walked off the plane, and here we are.' 

Trump said the countries are 'getting closer' to a bilateral agreement. 'We hope to have several further announcement soon, and some very big ones over the next few months,' he said. 

'And we're also here, as you know, for a very special occasion, not having to do with trade, we all know about that,' he said of the face time he'll have with the emperor on Monday.

This is the Trumps' second state visit to Japan. The first lady joined him on a previous journey to the country in 2017.

They missed an earthquake that shook the city of Tokyo by two hours. 

The quake was on the low end of the intensity scale, coming in at a magnitude of 4.6, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, but it rumbled buildings enough to be noticeable.

The earthquake originated in Chiba, where Trump and Abe played their round of golf.  

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have arrived in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday evening for a five-day visit

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have arrived in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday evening for a five-day visit

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe sent his foreign affairs minister to welcome the president and first lady on Saturday

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe sent his foreign affairs minister to welcome the president and first lady on Saturday

They spent 16 hours on flights, yet the first lady, who often changes in the air, was wearing the same dress as when she left

They spent 16 hours on flights, yet the first lady, who often changes in the air, was wearing the same dress as when she left

After they arrived in Tokyo, the Trumps jumped in the president's limo, which flies with him everywhere, and went to dinner

After they arrived in Tokyo, the Trumps jumped in the president's limo, which flies with him everywhere, and went to dinner

Melania wore a white, Calvin Klein shirt dress covered with postcards depicting the West for the journey. The dress initially sold for $3,900 but is currently 50 percent off

Melania wore a white, Calvin Klein shirt dress covered with postcards depicting the West for the journey. The dress initially sold for $3,900 but is currently 50 percent off

The president left the White House on Friday and stopped at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, early Saturday morning to refuel Air Force One on his way to Japan.

He spent time with troops stationed at the base and shot a video with them that he posted to his Twitter account.

Trump said in the 30-second montage of the stopover: 'We're here with our great military, these are great, great future leaders. And they can all be famous after this.'

The president and first lady are staying at the Palace Hotel in Tokyo, where there was a heavy police presence in advance of their visit. 

Japanese protesters also lined the streets in opposition to the relocation of a U.S. military installation to the island of Okinawa.

Emergency action Trump took on Friday morning to expedite an arms sale to Saudi Arabia also drew scorn for protesters carrying signs with messages like, 'Arms are for hugging. Stop arms sales.' 

U.S. President Donald Trump waves from the Beast after arriving in Tokyo's Haneda Airport outside the large city

U.S. President Donald Trump waves from the Beast after arriving in Tokyo's Haneda Airport outside the large city

Workers adjust a red carpet for the arrival the arrival of Air Force One on Saturday evening at Haneda airport in Tokyo

Workers adjust a red carpet for the arrival the arrival of Air Force One on Saturday evening at Haneda airport in Tokyo

Trump's administration said the arms sale was necessary to keep Iran in check in the region. It has warned of a heightened threat from the nation.

The documents were not released until Trump was half-way around the world, although the action had been rumored for days. 

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sent a notification to Congress on Friday after most legislators had left Washington. 

The first lady (left) and Abe's wife, Akie Abe, visit the Mori Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo on Saturday

The first lady (left) and Abe's wife, Akie Abe, visit the Mori Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo on Saturday

This is the second time since her husband became president that First Lady Melania Trump has visited Japan

This is the second time since her husband became president that First Lady Melania Trump has visited Japan

Mori Building Digital Art Museum has been billed as the world's first digital art museum. The museum, a 107,000 square foot venue, opened last year

Mori Building Digital Art Museum has been billed as the world's first digital art museum. The museum, a 107,000 square foot venue, opened last year

Before he departed, the president fielded 14 minutes of questions from reporters. He ignored inquiries about his visit to Japan, suggesting his mind was elsewhere, however.

He proceeded to rage about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report from aboard Air Force One.  

In one tweet several hours into the long-haul flight, he said. 'The Dems want a second shot at Bob Mueller, are very unhappy with the No Collusion Report. They should not be allowed to play this game any longer - no second chances - must get back to work. So bad for our Country!'  

A police officer stands guard in front of the Palace Hotel Tokyo, where the Trumps are staying during their four-day state visit

A police officer stands guard in front of the Palace Hotel Tokyo, where the Trumps are staying during their four-day state visit

U.S. and Japanese national flags are displayed on a street on May 25, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan, ahead of Donald Trump's arrival

U.S. and Japanese national flags are displayed on a street on May 25, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan, ahead of Donald Trump's arrival

Demonstrators came out against Trump on Saturday,  rejecting the relocation of a U.S. base in Japan to Okinawa

Most of the United States' military facilities in Japan are on Okinawa Island

Demonstrators came out against Trump on Saturday, rejecting the relocation of a U.S. base in Japan to Okinawa Island

Protesters hold a banner protesting against the U.S-developed Aegis Ashore missile interceptor systems that will be based in Japan during a demonstration against the state visit by Trump to Tokyo

Protesters hold a banner protesting against the U.S-developed Aegis Ashore missile interceptor systems that will be based in Japan during a demonstration against the state visit by Trump to Tokyo

Trump dinned on Sunday night with Satoshi Tsunakawa, President of Toyota, and other prominent Japanese business leaders

Trump dinned on Sunday night with Satoshi Tsunakawa, President of Toyota, and other prominent Japanese business leaders

Trump later turned to the topic of China and what he says is a 'trade squabble' with Beijing and not a trade war.

'The real trade war began 30 years ago, and we lost. This is a bright new Age, the Age of Enlightenment. We don’t lose anymore!' he shared.  

On the White House's South Lawn, before he boarded Marine One to depart for the five-day trip, it was Democratic investigations into his administration that Trump wanted to talk about, choosing to respond to shouted questions on the subject.

'I think William Barr is the most respected man - one of the most respected men, doing what he does - in our whole country,' he said of his attorney general, whose under fire for refusing to testify in the House. 'I just want him to be fair. I don’t want him to be for me or for anybody else. I just want him to be fair, and that’s what he is.' 

He sent a single tweet acknowledging the visit. 'Departed the @WhiteHouse and am now on Air Force One with the First Lady heading to Japan and looking forward to honoring, on behalf of the United States, His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan. I will also be discussing Trade and Military with my friend, Prime Minister @Shinzo Abe,' he said. 

Trump stopped at an Alaskan air base on Saturday to refuel Air Force Once. He's seen posing for a selfie with a servicewoman

Trump stopped at an Alaskan air base on Saturday to refuel Air Force Once. He's seen posing for a selfie with a servicewoman

Trump meets with troops at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska during a quick refueling stop en route to Tokyo

Trump meets with troops at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska during a quick refueling stop en route to Tokyo

Speaking of his meeting with the military, he said: 'These are great, great future leaders. And they can all be famous after this'

Speaking of his meeting with the military, he said: 'These are great, great future leaders. And they can all be famous after this'

The president tweeted about meeting troops at the base

The president tweeted about meeting troops at the base

Air Force one had stopped to refuel at the air base in Alaska, giving Trump chance to shake hands with personnel

Air Force one had stopped to refuel at the air base in Alaska, giving Trump chance to shake hands with personnel

The president inspects a supporter's MAGA hat in Alaska

The president inspects a supporter's MAGA hat in Alaska

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump departed for Tokyo, Japan on Friday

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump departed for Tokyo, Japan on Friday

Arm-in-arm: Melania and Donald Trump headed to Marine One to start the trip to Japan

Arm-in-arm: Melania and Donald Trump headed to Marine One to start the trip to Japan

Meeting: Melania Trump walked on to the South Lawn as her husband finished speaking to reporters

Meeting: Melania Trump walked on to the South Lawn as her husband finished speaking to reporters

Trump took several questions from reporters on the South Lawn before jetting off in Marine One, but didn't answer any related to the Japan trip

Trump took several questions from reporters on the South Lawn before jetting off in Marine One, but didn't answer any related to the Japan trip

This is Trump's second official state visit to Japan since taking office

This is Trump's second official state visit to Japan since taking office 

A portion of the five-day trip falls on Memorial Day Weekend, and this will be the first time Trump will not be in the U.S. for the holiday honoring fallen soldiers

A portion of the five-day trip falls on Memorial Day Weekend, and this will be the first time Trump will not be in the U.S. for the holiday honoring fallen soldiers

Waiting for departure: The scene at Joint Base Andrews as reporters, Secret Service and military personnel wait for Marine One's arrival

Waiting for departure: The scene at Joint Base Andrews as reporters, Secret Service and military personnel wait for Marine One's arrival

This trip is centered around the enthronement of the new Japanese emperor and takes place over Memorial Day weekend. 

This will be the first time Trump has not been in the U.S. during the holiday that honors fallen soldiers. 

In 2017 and 2018, he delivered remarks at Arlington National Cemetery, where he also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Trump stopped at the cemetery on Thursday to hold a moment of silence for soldiers perished while serving their country. 

He has previously come under scrutiny for skipping over Arlington on Veterans Day, when he was celebrating the end of WWI with other world leaders in France.

Greeting: Trump shakes hands with an Air Force colonel as he is welcomed to Air Force One

Greeting: Trump shakes hands with an Air Force colonel as he is welcomed to Air Force One

On our way: Donald and Melania Trump climb the staircase to board Air Force One

On our way: Donald and Melania Trump climb the staircase to board Air Force One

Final step: Trump steps on to Air Force One to start the two-part flight to Tokyo for his state visit to Japan

Final step: Trump steps on to Air Force One to start the two-part flight to Tokyo for his state visit to Japan

The president and first lady are the first state guests of Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, following his father's early abdication.

The U.S. president will hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister

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