After passing yet another COVID-19 test, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern touched down in Japan on Wednesday night after visiting Singapore.
Ardern used her first day in Japan to announce a hydrogen-powered car-sharing scheme. But it was dancing kiwifruits who stole the show.
COVID-19 restrictions are still very strict in Japan. It's one of the last countries to open up.
The New Zealand Defence Force plane carrying Ardern and her delegation touched down in Tokyo late on Wednesday night.
The COVID-19 restrictions kicked in from the tarmac. Only those in the Prime Minister's bubble were allowed off the plane for the official welcome.
"It's a reminder that this pandemic is not done with the world," Ardern said, speaking in Tokyo. "Many countries still have significant restrictions."
The delegation and press pack were ushered in for saliva tests. Everyone tested negative.
Ardern was back on duty promoting New Zealand. She danced with kiwifruit and participated in a high-pressure calligraphy lesson.
"I'm concerned this perhaps doesn't say 'kiwifruit'," Ardern joked as her calligraphy attempt was revealed. She received a round of applause.
Ardern then went to Tokyo Tower to piggyback Toyota's announcement of an Auckland green hydrogen-powered car-sharing scheme.
"Japan and New Zealand are natural partners in renewable energy," Ardern said in a speech.
The Government is keen to drive up interest in hydrogen cars and the scheme will see a fleet of Toyota Mirai shared between eight companies.
"This is the way of the future and, perhaps as a petrol-head myself, I've come to the reality that this is the technology that we will be using into the future," said Trade Minister Damien O'Connor.
Hydrogen refuelling stations will also start popping up across the North Island. They will be built by New Zealand company Hiringa, together with Japanese partner Mitsui & Co.
"It'll take some time. Infrastructure for New Zealanders will be at least five to 10 years before it's readily available," said Toyota NZ CEO Neeraj Lala.
Climate change will form a large part of Ardern's first meeting with her Japanese counterpart, the recently-elected Prime Minister Fumio Koshida.
But as with so much of this trip, there's no avoiding talking about China and about the war in Ukraine.
"We want de-escalation, we want diplomacy, and we want to see the following of the rules-based order," Ardern said.
