US President arrives in Japan

US President Barack Obama, has arrived in Tokyo on his first official visit to Japan since taking office. Obama's arrival will begin a nine-day tour of Asia that will also take him to China, Singapore and South Korea.

Security has been tightened in the Japanese capital. Local media reports say more than 16 thousand police officers have been stationed across Tokyo.

Obama will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyamahold later on Friday. The two leaders are expected to discuss a broad range of issues from climate change to Japan's assistance in Afghanistan.

On Saturday he will give a speech on US-Asia relations and meet with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.