US President Donald Trump kicked off one of the busiest days of his Asia trip on Tuesday with a warm welcome to Japan’s first prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, at Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace. The meeting underscored both personal diplomacy and high economics, as the two leaders struck new deals on trade and critical minerals — areas central to both nations’ strategic ambitions.
“It’s a very strong handshake,” Trump praised Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi as the pair posed for photographers.
What did Trump say about Japan’s first female prime minister?
Donald Trump, often frank in his dealings with his global counterparts, was uncharacteristically exuberant. “All I know from Shinzo and others is that you will be one of the great prime ministers. I would also like to congratulate you on being the first female prime minister. It is a big deal,” Takaichi said as they sat down for bilateral talks.
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The compliment stemmed from Takaichi’s deep ties to the late Shinzo Abe, Trump’s longtime ally and golf partner. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt later confirmed that Takaichi had pledged to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, a symbolic gesture of goodwill between the allies.
What was agreed during the meeting between Trump and Takaichi?
Trump and Takaichi signed two key agreements. The first reaffirmed a $550 billion investment framework under which Japan will support purchases of American goods — including soybeans, natural gas and pickup trucks — while contributing to American shipbuilding projects.
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The second agreement created a US-Japan framework to secure supplies of critical minerals and rare earths, vital components for clean energy technologies and advanced electronics. The agreement signaled Tokyo’s intention to deepen cooperation with Washington amid an ongoing competition with China for control of resources.
The two leaders hailed the signing as the start of what Trump called a “golden age” of US-Japan relations.
How did Takaichi try to strengthen relations with Washington?
Seeking to strengthen his personal relationship with Donald Trump, Takaichi presented him with a golf putter belonging to former Japanese Prime Minister Abe, a golf bag signed by major champion Hideki Matsuyama and a gold golf ball.
In return, Prime Minister Takaichi announced that Japan will donate 250 cherries to Washington next year in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, along with fireworks from Akita Prefecture for the US Independence Day celebrations.
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“In fact, Prime Minister Abe has often told me about your dynamic diplomacy,” she said in her opening remarks.
Donald Trump responded warmly: “Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there. We are an ally at the strongest level.”
What about trade and defense?
Hard dealings were hidden behind the show. Trump has long urged Japan to increase defense spending and buy more American-made vehicles. His well-known complaint—that American cars are too wide for Japan’s narrow streets—was met by Takaichi’s token charm offensive, which included a Ford F-150 prominently displayed outside the palace.
Takaichi sought to moderate Donald Trump’s demands by committing to accelerated plans to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP, particularly to deter an increasingly assertive China.
What’s next for Trump’s Asia tour?
After the meetings in Tokyo, Donald Trump is expected to address US troops aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier docked near Tokyo before flying to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Read also | Sanae Takaichi urges Japan to “work like a horse” in first speech as prime minister.
Donald Trump’s visit to Japan comes amid signs of easing tensions between the US and China as negotiators from both sides signaled progress towards a new trade deal. But analysts warn that details remain vague and that issues – from rare earth exports to customs disputes – continue to cloud any long-term solution.
What does the meeting mean for US-Japan relations?
For Trump and Takaichi, the meeting was as much about symbolism as it was about substance. Trump’s praise of Takaichi and his repeated references to shared values served as a reminder of the continuity of US-Japan ties — even amid changing global dynamics.
By pledging closer cooperation on critical minerals, defense and investment, the two leaders sought to cement one of the Indo-Pacific’s most enduring alliances.
And as Trump said during their cordial exchange, “It’s a very strong handshake.”
