Jacinda Ardern makes awkward country faux pas after arriving in Tokyo

This morning Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made an awkward faux pas after touching down in Tokyo when she muddled up Japan with China during her first media standup in the country.

Ardern was caught on camera saying it was an "incredibly exciting time for New Zealand in its relationship with China - excuse me sorry, with Japan".

Following the awkward moment, she claimed jetlag was the cause of her mistake, adding: "You'll understand I've been on continuous travel and just this moment stopped here."

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Ardern is currently in Japan to discuss trade and tourism with the country's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as watching the All Blacks take on South Africa at the Rugby World Cup this weekend.

Her visit marks the first trip to Japan by a New Zealand Prime Minister since the CPTPP trading agreement was signed.