First lady Jill Biden to meet Japanese emperor and prime minister

First lady Jill Biden is set to meet later this week with Japan's emperor and prime minister and come face-to-face with U.S. diplomats based in Tokyo as she leads the U.S. delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympics amid a state of emergency there due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. 

The White House announced the first lady's itinerary on Wednesday morning as she begins a trip that also is set to take her to Alaska and Hawaii to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations.  Administration officials said in recent days that there were no plans to cancel or curtail Biden's trip amid a spike in cases around Tokyo and positive test results for a handful of American athletes and dozens of other competitors. The head of Japan's Olympic organizing committee on Tuesday didn't rule out canceling the games if the COVID-19 surge continues. The organizing committee and Japanese government have already banned spectators from attending competitions, but say select groups of VIPs will be able to attend in person.