Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warmly welcomed US President Donald Trump during his visit to Tokyo on Tuesday, expressing optimism for enhanced bilateral relations and cooperation on securing essential minerals. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, showcased a strong diplomatic performance and even proposed nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Trump, who was meeting with the conservative premier for the first time as part of his Asia tour seeking agreements with China, reciprocated by praising the alliance between Japan and the US as being at the “strongest level.” During their meeting at the Akasaka Palace state guest house, Trump lauded Takaichi, stating, “It’s a great honor to be with you, especially early in what I believe will be a remarkable prime ministership.”
Takaichi commended Trump for his efforts in facilitating a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia and for achieving a historic truce in Gaza. As a gesture of goodwill, she presented Trump with a golf bag autographed by renowned player Hideki Matsuyama and a putter once owned by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who shared a close relationship with Trump.
Expressing her vision for a revitalized Japan-US partnership, Takaichi stated, “I aim to usher in a new era of cooperation between Japan and the United States, fostering strength and prosperity for both nations.”
Later, addressing a crowd of sailors aboard the USS George Washington near Tokyo alongside Trump, Takaichi emphasized Japan’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities to address unprecedented security challenges. Trump announced the approval of the first shipment of missiles for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces’ F-35 fighter jets, scheduled to arrive imminently. Additionally, he highlighted plans for enhanced collaboration in shipbuilding with Japan, symbolized by a recent agreement signed by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The two leaders also signed a pact aimed at enhancing the resilience and security of critical mineral and rare earth supply chains. This agreement comes in response to China’s recent restrictions on the rare earth industry, prompting Trump to consider imposing tariffs on Chinese imports. Trump also met with families of Japanese individuals abducted by North Korea, expressing unwavering support for their quest to reunite with their loved ones.
As Japan strengthens its military posture amid escalating tensions with China, Takaichi affirmed the country’s commitment to reaching its defense spending target of two percent of GDP this year, ahead of schedule. The US, with a substantial military presence in Japan, seeks increased defense spending from Tokyo, potentially aligning with NATO members’ five percent GDP commitment.
While most Japanese exports to the US face 15 percent tariffs, down from the initially proposed 25 percent, the levies contributed to a significant decline in US-bound car exports in September. Under a trade agreement, Japan is expected to invest $550 billion in the US, with potential projects including a substantial investment in nuclear reactor construction by American firm Westinghouse, involving Japanese partners.
Trump’s visit to Tokyo precedes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, aiming to ease trade tensions between the two nations. Scheduled for Thursday, the meeting marks the first face-to-face talks between the leaders since Trump’s return to office in January.