Tokyo: Elon Musk was in Japan on Friday, prompting social media speculation on the purpose of his first known trip to the country in nine years.

“Just arrived in amazing Japan,” the billionaire said late Thursday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter that he bought last year.

Just arrived in amazing 🇯🇵 Japan 🇯🇵

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 17, 2023

Upon arrival, the phrase “Welcome to Japan” started trending on X, with people welcoming the Tesla CEO to the country. “During your stay in Japan, I understand you’ll have a busy schedule, but if you find the time, please do explore the wonderful sights this country has to offer,” said X user sigoodies.

Mr. Elon Musk,

Welcome to Japan.🇯🇵

During your stay in Japan, I understand you'll have a busy schedule, but if you find the time, please do explore the wonderful sights this country has to offer. Additionally, I encourage you to savor the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine.… pic.twitter.com/1Azpr9T9Wg

— 🌸HIRO🌸🇯🇵 (@sigoodies) August 17, 2023

In 2014, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX visited Japan for a ceremony marking his electric car-making company’s full-scale entry to the country’s market.

During that trip, he briefly met with then prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was gunned down last year.

Japanese carmakers are seen by analysts as having fallen behind in the race to develop electric vehicles.

On Friday, Musk also posted videos of what appeared to be an exhibition by prominent Japanese art collective teamLab, which is known for combining projections, sound and carefully designed spaces.

pic.twitter.com/Zkp1aiwauY

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 18, 2023

Users on X posted comments asking why Musk was in Japan, with some speculating he had come to see musician Grimes, with whom he has two children, perform at a music festival near Tokyo this weekend.

Since buying Twitter last year for $44 billion, Musk has fired thousands of employees and has erected a paywall on the site, charging users $8 a month to access certain features and get a blue checkmark “verified” account.

Musk visited China in late May, meeting several government officials and declaring he would expand his business in the world’s largest market for electric vehicles.

with AFP