The President begins his first day in Japan with a a special call on the Emperor and Empress, who have invited the President for a courtesy visit at their Private residence on the palace grounds. The current site of the Imperial Palace was the seat of power of the Tokugawa Shoguns who ruled Japan for more than 250 years starting from the early 17th century. Following the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the Imperial Family was transferred from its long-time home in Kyoto to the current Imperial Palace site. The current Palace building, as well as the actual Private Residence used on a day-to-day basis by the Emperor and Empress, were built after World War II. The Palace grounds are extensive, with numerous outer and inner gardens.

The President will then participate in a televised town hall meeting with the people of Japan in Tokyo. The show will be broadcast during a popular time slot Thursday evening. The President will open with brief remarks, followed by questions from the audience. Interpretation will be simultaneous. The day concludes with a dinner in President Clinton's honor at Akasaka Palace.