Tokyo, May 27 (AP) President Donald Trump got the red carpet treatment Monday at Japan's Imperial Palace where he made history, becoming the first world leader to meet with the new emperor of Japan.

Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne on May 1, opening what is called the era of "Reiwa," or "beautiful harmony."

The president and first lady Melania Trump kicked off the formal visit with handshakes and greetings with Naruhito and Empress Masako.

The president, who is on a four-day state visit to Japan, was treated to a welcome ceremony full of pomp and pageantry.

On a hot, sunny day, Trump stood at attention alone atop a platform before he walked along a red-carpeted route to review troops.

Military bands played and Trump passed in front of a group of schoolchildren feverishly waving US and Japanese flags.

Trump later will go to the Japanese state guest house for meetings, a working lunch and joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The president will also be the guest of honour at an imperial banquet at the palace hosted by the emperor. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)