Standing at over six foot in height, Barack Obama had to bow deeply as he paid his respects to the diminutive Japanese Emperor Akihito. But the comical sight, which saw the President bend almost double, will no doubt earn him nods of approval in Japan, where a low bow is a sign of great respect and deference. Obama met the emperor and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace today, a stop on his nine-day Asian tour that will also see him take in Singapore and China. The President, who is strengthening US ties with Asia, reminisced about a childhood visit to Japan and even discussed green tea ice cream during his time in the capital city. Addressing 1,500 people, Obama pledged his ?unshakeable? commitment to Asian security and insisted the US would not be ?cowed? by North Korea?s nuclear tests. He said: ?I want every American to know that we have a stake in the future of this region, because what happens here has a direct effect on our lives at home. ?This is where we engage in much of our commerce and buy many of our goods. And this is where we can export more of our own products and create jobs back home in the process.? He added: ?I am beginning my journey here for a simple reason. Since taking office, I have worked to renew American leadership and pursue a new era of engagement with the world based on mutual interests and mutual respect. ?And our efforts in the Asia Pacific will be rooted, in no small measure, through an enduring and revitalized alliance between the United States and Japan.?