British foreign secretary in Japan for security, trade talks

TOKYO – British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson mingled with robots on Thursday before meeting with Japanese officials.

Johnson visited the Research Institute for Science and Engineering at Tokyo’s prestigious Waseda University, where he was introduced to cutting-edge Japanese robots.

He beamed when he was approached by the “Wabian 2” walking robot and shook hands with it. University scientists say the robot can run, hop and may even get to carry the Olympic torch for the Tokyo 2020 Games.

“He looks as though he is about to do martial arts,” Johnson said as the robot walked. “I don’t believe it, I just don’t believe it.”

He also saw a disaster response robot called “Octopus,” which he said reminded him of the 1987 movie “Robocop.”

Johnson arrived in Tokyo earlier Thursday for talks on security and trade, and to share his experience of hosting the Olympics as London mayor five years ago.

He is to meet with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, on Friday to discuss increased diplomatic and security cooperation, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry. North Korea’s missile and nuclear threat and Brexit are likely to top the agenda.

Johnson also is to meet with Japanese business leaders for talks on enhanced trade and investment during his three-day visit before traveling to New Zealand and Australia.