Thursday is day two of US President Barack Obama's visit to Japan. Just this morning, Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held talks on bilateral ties and afterwards briefed the media on their meeting.

U.S. President Barack Obama, fourth left, speaks to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, during their talks at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo, Thursday, April 24, 2014.

Obama spoke of a US-Japanese bond that transcends its military alliance, in his meeting with Abe. And Abe said Japan shared America's values, and described their alliance as "indispensable and irreplaceable".

Earlier in the morning, US President Obama was welcomed by Japanese Emperor Akihito and the Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace. He will also be the guest of honour at a state dinner on Thursday night at the Imperial Palace, at the invitation of the Emperor and Empress. Obama arrived in Tokyo late Wednesday.

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