TOKYO — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Japan since its earthquake and tsunami, expressed sympathy and support Sunday in meetings with the country’s prime minister and various officials as well its emperor and empress in a rare audience over afternoon tea.
Arriving at the imperial palace residence, Clinton shook the emperor’s hand and kissed the empress on both cheeks. “I’m so, so sorry for everything your country is going through. If there’s anything we can do for you . . .,” Clinton said as she held the empress’ hands.
The effusive statements of support and appreciation from both sides during the visit reflect a high-water mark in the relationship — spurred on by strong U.S. support since the March 11 earthquake with funding, disaster relief and nuclear expertise.
At a news conference, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto asked Clinton to have U.S. nuclear experts review Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s plans released Sunday for stabilizing its damaged reactors.
Clinton was accompanied during the trip by U.S. Chamber of Commerce president Thomas Donohue and Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Nides, a former businessman.
