Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's trip to the United States, his first overseas visit since taking office, has been postponed until at least February, Japanese media reported on Monday.

Japan's Kyodo News Agency quoted government officials as saying that planning the visit has become difficult because of US President Barack Obama's busy schedule as he prepares for his inauguration ceremony on Jan 21.

But analysts said the delay shows Washington's hesitation about Abe's debut overseas trip since being re-elected.