Visiting U.S. President Barack Obama met with Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko over lunch on Saturday. The emperor and empress greeted Obama with handshakes at the entrance of the Imperial Residence in Tokyo before the three had lunch with only an interpreter attending, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

The imperial couple normally host top foreign leaders at the main building of the Imperial Palace. But their residence was chosen for Saturday's lunch with Obama because of tight schedules for both parties, the agency said.