Tony Blair in Tokyo

The British prime minister, Tony Blair, is on a five-day visit to Japan aimed at boosting trade and investment and increasing co-operation between Japan and the European Union.

Britain currently holds the EU presidency, and he's expected to discuss with Japanese leaders the financial crisis in Asia.

On his arrival in Tokyo, Mr Blair welcomed plans by the Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota, to increase its investment in Britain, saying the country presented great opportunities.

But the BBC Tokyo correspondent says Mr Blair has to assure Japanese business that London remains committed to Europe, despite having refused to join the single European currency at its planned launch next year.

Former British prisoners who were held by the Japanese during the Second World War have urged Mr Blair to press Tokyo to settle compensation claims.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service