In Tokyo, US President Donald Trump praised Japan’s first female leader, Sanae Takaichi, for her commitment to enhancing military capabilities and signed trade and rare earth deals. Takaichi, mentored by Trump’s late friend and Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, endorsed Trump’s efforts in global conflict resolution and suggested him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Japan is anticipated to present a substantial investment package under a $550 billion agreement, including shipbuilding and procurement of US agricultural products and vehicles. This move aims to address Trump’s calls for increased Japanese defense spending, which Takaichi countered by pledging to expedite plans to elevate defense expenditure to 2% of GDP.
During their discussions at the Akasaka Palace, Trump commended Takaichi, affirming her potential as a remarkable prime minister and acknowledging her historic position as the first woman to hold this office. Takaichi emphasized Abe’s close relationship with Trump by gifting him memorabilia, including Abe’s putter, a golf bag signed by Hideki Matsuyama, and a gold-leaf golf ball. The meeting also highlighted Japan’s significant investments in the US, with multiple Japanese companies eyeing over $400 billion in energy and AI sectors.
The leaders further solidified their ties by signing an agreement to enhance the supply of critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to reduce China’s dominance in key electronic components. Trump also engaged with families of North Korean abductees, expressing unwavering support for their cause. Trump’s visit to Japan, part of his Asia tour, commenced with a warm welcome at the Imperial Palace and is intended to culminate in a trade resolution with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Takaichi’s strategic use of Abe’s legacy to establish rapport with Trump is seen as a tactic to strengthen her political standing amid challenges. Despite her growing popularity as prime minister, her government faces a slim majority in parliament. The leaders visited the US aircraft carrier George Washington at the Yokosuka naval base, where Trump praised Takaichi’s leadership before an audience of US sailors. The visit concluded with plans for US and Japanese defense officials to hold discussions, and Trump’s scheduled meetings with business leaders in Tokyo before proceeding to South Korea for further diplomatic engagements.