US Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, travels this week to Japan and the Republic of Korea on his first trip since taking office.  In Japan on April 8 and 9 the secretary will meet with senior Japanese officials to discuss the defense strategic guidelines review and other matters of mutual interest ahead of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to Washington at the end of April.

In the South Korean capital of Seoul on April 9 and 10, Carter will meet with senior government officials to reiterate the United States’ strong commitment to South Korea's security and discuss regional issues. In both countries, officials added, Carter will meet with U.S. service members and their families.

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=128526