TOKYO, Aug. 30 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May arrived in Japan on Wednesday to hold talks with her Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe about strengthening bilateral economic ties and boosting cooperation in the fight against terrorism, among other matters.

May arrived at Osaka Airport in western Japan on Wednesday afternoon, marking her first visit to Japan since she became prime minister in July last year.

She is scheduled to travel to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, to experience a traditional tea ceremony and hold unofficial talks with Abe over dinner.

The tea ceremony hosted in honor of May is reportedly to reciprocate Abe being invited to the British prime minister's official Chequers residence during his visit there in April.

Following an official summit on Thursday, the two leaders are expected to release a joint statement on cooperation initiatives, government sources here said.

Prior to the summit, May is scheduled to visit a Maritime Self-Defense Force base (MSDF) in Yokosuka, near Tokyo.

May's visit to Japan will conclude on Friday after a meeting with Emperor Akihito.