Obama reaffirms Japan commitment

U.S. President Barack Obama's day-long tour of Tokyo started with a welcome from Japan's Emperor and Empress in the grounds of the imperial palace.

Then came the fun stuff...a game of soccer with humanoid robot Asimo at the Tokyo Innovation Museum.

But Obama's four-day visit to Asia has a very serious side to it.

He's looking to convince Washington's Asian allies the U.S. is committed to its promised strategic 'pivot' towards the region.

On Thursday he told Japan the U.S was serious about its security and that includes islands in dispute with China.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:

"Let me reiterate that our treaty commitment to Japan's security is absolute and Article Five covers all territories under Japan's administration including the Senkaku islands."

China's Foreign Ministry insisted the chain which it calls the Diaoyu islands were its territory regardless of what anyone said.

(SOUNDBITE)(Mandarin) CHINESE FO