Abbott the loser fails again for all to see!

[DaS Energy]

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says a free trade agreement with Japan is within Australia's grasp.

'Things are going very well indeed in the negotiations for a Japan-Australia economic partnership or free trade agreement,' Mr Abbott told a business function in Tokyo on Monday.

He said such a deal had eluded Australia for many years.

'But (it) is now within our grasp,' he said.

Mr Abbott thanked Trade Minister Andrew Robb for his tireless effort in seeking the agreement with Japan.

'Japan has arisen from the ashes of war to become one of the world's most prosperous societies ... a liberal democracy and a model international citizen,' Mr Abbott said.

The prime minister is leading a delegation of business leaders and premiers through Japan, South Korea and China.

He said the futures of all three nations and Australia were 'inextricably linked'.

'The countries of the Asia-Pacific will advance together or we won't advance at all.'

Earlier, Mr Abbott was officially welcomed to Japan in a ceremony that spared no pomp or grandeur for the visiting Australian prime minister.

A military band in full regalia greeted Mr Abbott with a rendition of Advance Australia Fair, before his counterpart Shinzo Abe led an inspection of the crisp troops on display.

Mr Abbott then introduced Prime Minister Abe to his delegation, including Robb and Australia's top diplomat Peter Varghese.

The two leaders already have met informally since Mr Abbott touched down in Tokyo, but after Monday's state welcome there was no question Australia's leader was among friends in Tokyo.

Giant flags bearing the Southern Cross and the rising sun waved above the State House, with the national flags also lining streets in downtown Tokyo.

It is Mr Abbott's first official visit to the North Asia region, and Japan has gone to great lengths to ensure his stay is well and truly acknowledged.

He has been granted an audience with Japan's monarch Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace, and later on Monday will become the first foreign leader to address the country's National Security Council.

Mr Abbott has reciprocated with warm speeches thanking Japan and its leadership for 60 years of unwavering friendship and trade.

The prime minister wants to secure a free trade agreement with Japan, Australia's second-largest trading partner, during his visit.

But negotiators in Tokyo have so far failed to clinch a satisfactory deal, and the clock is ticking before Mr Abbott departs for Seoul.

Trade isn't the only issue on the agenda.

The two leaders on Monday are expected to announce steps to deepen the defence and security relationship at a bilateral meeting ahead of a state dinner.