U.S. President Donald Trump met Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Tuesday, marking the first high-profile summit since Takaichi became Japan’s first female leader. Their talks centered on strengthening trade and defense cooperation between the two nations amid regional tensions with China.
Takaichi is expected to confirm a $550 billion U.S. investment package, including expanded purchases of American soybeans, natural gas, and pickup trucks, as well as collaboration in shipbuilding. Sources close to the matter told Reuters the package reflects Takaichi’s intent to reinforce Japan-U.S. economic ties while boosting domestic growth.
In a symbolic move, Takaichi reportedly plans to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize—an accolade he has long sought. The gesture, along with deepening trade ties, may help ease potential U.S. pressure on Japan to further increase defense spending. However, Takaichi has already pledged to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP to counter China’s growing assertiveness.
At the Akasaka Palace, Trump praised Takaichi’s “very strong handshake” as the two leaders exchanged remarks about former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a close ally of both. During the meeting, Takaichi presented Trump with one of Abe’s golf clubs, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Trump’s Tokyo visit included a royal welcome by Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace and a planned tour of the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka, home to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. Later this week, Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea to discuss a potential trade truce between the world’s two largest economies.
This historic meeting underscores Japan’s renewed commitment to its U.S. alliance and Takaichi’s efforts to balance domestic politics with global diplomacy.