Olympics: First lady Jill Biden arrives in Japan for Games

TOKYO: The first lady Jill Biden of the United States arrived in Japan on Thursday to lead the US diplomatic delegation to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Despite public opposition in Japan for hosting large numbers of athletes, staff and media, the Olympics and Japanese officials have gone forward with the sporting event.

More than 11,000 in the athletes' village alone, over dozen have already tested positive for COVID-19.

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However, according to officials, US President Joe Biden sees the Games, which have been postponed because of the pandemic, as a critical moment to express support for a longtime ally and trading partner who he thinks will support US efforts to check China's growth.

Jill Biden plan

According to the White House, Jill Biden will dine with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his wife Mariko at Akasaka Palace on Thursday.

Biden stopped in Alaska along the way to welcome military families and motivate vaccination.

The first lady's first solo journey abroad will involve three days on the ground in Japan for the Olympics.

On Friday, Jill Biden intends to attend the opening ceremony and meet with Team USA athletes, US foreign service personnel and Japanese Emperor Naruhito.

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