Bush arrives in Japan on Asia tour

US President George Bush arrived in Japan today to begin an eight-day tour through Asia for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum in South Korea.

Bush was to stay in Japan overnight in the ancient capital of Kyoto, visit the famous Golden Pavilion temple and have lunch and a summit with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi before heading on to South Korea tomorrow for the APEC meeting.

Though no incidents were reported, some 5,800 police were mobilised to ensure the safety of Bush’s visit. Officials said it was the largest mobilisation in Kyoto in recent years.

Bush was also scheduled to visit China and Mongolia before returning home.

Koizumi said that although the visit was brief, it was no less important.

“The US is the most important ally for Japan, and I want to have a straightforward exchange of views from the perspective of the US-Japan alliance,” he said before Bush’s arrival.