U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye is in Japan to meet with the nation’s leaders, discuss the relocation of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam and assess the international response to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The Democrat from Hawaii left Honolulu Saturday and departs Japan next Saturday.

Inouye will tour the tsunami-ravaged area of Sendai to evaluate relief efforts and find out the region’s most pressing needs.

He also is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, U.S. Ambassador John Roos and other officials from both countries.

Inouye said in a statement that the relationship between the United States and Japan is essential to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Inouye will also meet with business leaders and address members of the news media.