President Obama begins the first leg of his Asian tour in Japan

President Obama joins Japan's new Prime Minister just three hours after arriving in Tokyo.

Kenneth Lieberthal, a China Analyst for the Brookings Institution said, "I think President Obama is there to demonstrate that we care, we're there, we're engaged, we're listening, and we're ready to be active."

Security's tight. Protesters and the Japanese Government want the U.S. Marine Base on Okinawa closed.

That's expected to dominate their talks.

Japan is the world's number two economy. Trade with the U.S. is critical. But China's expected to take over that spot soon.

President Obama's spending three days in China, but just one in Japan.

His Asian tour comes as the U.S. awaits his decision on sending more troops to Afghanistan.

In the Philippines, Secretary Of State Clinton echoed a white house statement that "we're not going to be there forever."

Speaking to troops in Alaska, before landing in Japan, President Obama hinted the war won't be open-ended.

"We will give you the strategy and the clear mission you deserve," said Obama.

Signaling that change may be coming.