President Obama has arrived in Japan at the start of his latest Asia trip and was greeted by a familiar face: American Ambassador Caroline Kennedy. Mrs Kennedy stood alongside her husband Edwin Schlossberg, who still lives in New York in spite of his wife's diplomatic posting in Tokyo but he flew over for the presidential visit. Rather than going straight for a formal welcome reception at a government building, the group headed to an iconic landmark of another sort. Obama and his dining partner, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, didn't to have trouble scoring seats at Sukiyabashi Jiro. Heading out: President Obama arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday night as part of an Asia tour Making his way: President Obama will first stop in Japan before going to South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines Familiar faces: American Ambassador Caroline Kennedy was at the airport to greet the President when he arrived Diplomatic mission: Kennedy was appointed as the American Ambassador earlier this year, which was her first official role in public office in spite of her family's long history in politics

Spousal support: Kennedy's husband Edwin Schlossberg (left) did not move to Japan with his wife, opting to stay in New York and run his business, but he makes frequent trips to the Japanese capitol and the President's visit prompted one The 10-seat restaurant is run by 89-year-old Jiro Ono, who was featured in the 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi.Obama and Abe greeted each other outside the underground restaurant before heading in for the private dinner that typically costs about $300.'That's some good sushi right there,' President Obama said on his way out. They were accompanied by Kennedy, Schlossberg and White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice. The restaurant earned one of the rare three Michelin star ratings in the world and owner Jiro Ono is widely considered to be the best sushi chef worldwide. The stop in Japan is meant to help strengthen ties between Obama and Abe. An unidentified senior Japanese government official said that they 'have good discussions all the time, whenever they see each other.''

But the more frequently they see each other, the better.' Making upscale casual: Neither President Obama nor Japanese Prime Minister Shrizo Abe wore ties as they headed into dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro, the famed restaurant with three Michelin stars Hefty meal: Mrs Kennedy joined the men for dinner at the 10-seat restaurant where an 89-year-old sushi chef comes up with custom menus and highly-detailed dishes No time to shop: The President waved to fans and journalists as he headed into the restaurant, located in Tokyo's wealthier shopping district Into it: President Obama seemed thrilled to be at one of the 10 seats in the famed restaurant 'That's some good sushi right there,' Obama said after the dinner President Obama confirmed Wednesday that America's mutual security treaty with Japan applies to the islands at the center of a territorial dispute between China and Japan.'The policy of the United States is clear,' he said in a written response to questions published in Japan's Yomiuri newspaper before his arrival in Tokyo at the start of a four-country Asia tour.

Legend: Jiro Ono, 89, is widely regarded as the world's best sushi chef 'The Senkaku islands are administered by Japan' and therefore fall under the U.S.-Japan treaty, he wrote. jiro dreams of sushi full izle'And we oppose any unilateral attempts to undermine Japan's administration of these islands.'His statement seems aimed at reassuring Japan that the U.S. would come to its defense if China were to seize the islands, known as Diayou in China. sushi cat 1 cupquakeRussia's annexation of Crimea has sparked concern about America's political will to protect Asian allies, notably in Japan and the Philippines.A Chinese government spokesmansushi in suhl watch online responded that China has 'indisputable sovereignty' over the islands,

and said 'the so-called Japan-U.S. alliance' should not harm China's firmly oppose applying the Japan-U.S. security treaty in the issue of the Diaoyu islands,' Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a should respect facts, take a responsible attitude, remain committed to not taking sides on territory and sovereignty issues, speak and act cautiously, and earnestly play a constructive role in regional peace and Yomiuri the United States is deepening its ties with China, but 'our engagement with China does not and will not come at the expense of Japan or any other ally.'He said the U.S. will continue to take steps to reduce the impact of its military presence in Okinawa, but added, 'it's important to remember that the U.S. Marine Corps presence on Okinawa is absolutely critical toIt plays a key role in the defense of Japan.' Pre-emptive protests: Demonstrators gathered outside of the American embassy in Manila ahead of President Obama's one-night visit next week to protest the increased U.S. military presence in the country

Riot police: Police armed with truncheons, shields and a fire hose clashed Wednesday with more than 100 left-wing activists The President can expect to get a slightly colder reception as his Asia trip continues, as protests have already broken out in Manila ahead of his Monday arrival. Police armed with truncheons, shields and a fire hose clashed Wednesday with more than 100 left-wing activists who rallied at the U.S. Embassy in Manila to oppose a visit by President Barack Obama and an expected security pact that would increase the American military presence in the Philippines.Riot policemen blocked the flag-waving activists near the heavily fortified embassy compound but the protesters slipped past them, sparking a brief scuffle in view of motorists stuck in traffic.Some of the protesters carried paper U.S. flags with the message: 'Obama, not welcome.'The police sprayed the protesters with water from a fire truck to push themA police officer was punched in the face in the melee but no

The proposed accord would allow more U.S. troops, aircraft and ships to be temporarily stationed in selected Philippine military camps as a counterweight to China and as a standby disaster-response force Wavering support: The United States and the Philippines, which are treaty allies, have been scrambling to overcome differences to finalize a new security accord in time for Obama's visit The United States and the Philippines, which are treaty allies, have been scrambling to overcome differences to finalize a new security accord in time for Obama's visit.The accord would allow more U.S. troops, aircraft and ships to be temporarily stationed in selected Philippine military camps as a counterweight to China and as a standby disaster-response force. About 500 American soldiers have been based in the southern Philippines since 2002 to provide anti-terrorism training and intelligence to Filipino troops battling al Qaeda-linked militants.Obama's overnight stay in Manila comes after his visits to Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.