Potential US presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has met with Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Tokyo at the start of his international tour.

DeSantis is a hardline conservative popular with his fellow Republicans. He has yet to announce his candidacy, but is polling behind only former President Donald Trump among Republican and Republican-leaning voters.

The governor visited the Prime Minister's Office with his wife and others on Monday. The visit is officially billed as an effort to strengthen economic ties with Japan.

In their talks, Kishida expressed his hopes that DeSantis will reinforce bilateral ties by deepening his understanding of Japan's economy, politics, and culture.

In response, DeSantis touted Florida's strong economic appeal and praised Japan's efforts to bolster its defenses.

He said the US understands that "it's a tough neighborhood out here with North Korea and the rise of the Chinese Communist Party."

He said, "We really believe that a strong Japan is good for America and a strong America is good for Japan."

He later told reporters that the two exchanged views on regional security issues, Japan's ongoing efforts to bolster its defenses, and economic possibilities.

He added that his country attaches importance to its ties with Japan.

DeSantis apparently aims to garner more support within his party by highlighting his diplomatic credentials, and to build ties with Japan.