Article snippet: TOKYO — President Trump needled Japan over the US-Japan trade imbalance as he kicked off a state visit to the country Saturday that’s been tailor-made to his whims and ego. Speaking at a reception with several dozen Japanese and American business leaders at the US ambassador’s residence in Tokyo shortly after his arrival, Trump said the US and Japan ‘‘are hard at work’’ negotiating a new bilateral trade agreement that he said would benefit both countries. ‘‘I would say that Japan has had a substantial edge for many, many years, but that’s OK,’’ Trump told the group, joking that, ‘‘Maybe that’s why you like me so much.’’ The comments underscored the competing dynamics of a state visit designed to show off the deep ties between the US and Japan and the close friendship between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, even as tensions are high. Abe has rolled out the carpet for Trump as part of a continued charm offensive, giving him the honor of being the first head of state invited to meet Emperor Naruhito since he ascended to the throne on May 1. Trump will also play golf with Abe and have the chance to present a ‘‘Trump Cup’’ at a sumo wrestling championship Sunday. While the visit is expected to be largely ceremonial, the stakes are also high. Trump is threatening Japan with potentially devastating US tariffs on foreign autos and auto parts, and has suggested he will go ahead with the tariffs if US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer doesn’t manage to ... Link to the full article to read more