At the toast in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the teetotal President took the glass of Champagne and lifted it to his lips, but did not take a sip. At other state banquets, servers have filled his glass with Diet Coke as a substitute for red wine, and he is often known to drink grape juice instead of white wine and Champagne. The US president, who is on a four-day state visit to Japan, is the first world leader to meet with the new emperor.
Trump has never touched alcohol because his older brother Freddie died at the age of 43 from an illness stemming from alcoholism.
The US President said: “We are profoundly honoured to return to Japan as your nation’s first state guests following the enthronement of his majesty the emperor.
“We thank the people of Japan for their incredible hospitality and warm welcome in this majestic land.”
Trump called the relationship between the United States and Japan a “treasured alliance” and quoted Japanese poet Manyoshu in his speech.
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He said: “It also reminds us that in times of change, we can take comfort in our inherited traditions.
“In the fifth book of the Manyoshu where the term Reiwa originates, the writings of two poets offer important insights.”
Trump read from another Japanese poem, which he said “reminds us of our solemn responsibilities to family and future generation” and supplements the wisdom of the first reading.
He added: “Today we embrace the limitless potential before us.
“We also remember that our lives are a rich inheritance, that we must pass onto our children just as the sons and daughters of Japan.
“In the spirit of beautiful harmony may we celebrate the many possibilities with Japan and may we protect the cherished bond.
The US president offered his best wishes to the imperial family and Japan “for a peaceful and prosperous” era in the country’s history.
Emperor Naruhito delivered a toast before Donald Trump in Japanese, but a translation of his remarks was not provided.