Tokyo — Strengthening U.S.–Japan Ties
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first woman to hold the post, during high-level talks in Tokyo on Tuesday. The discussions focused on trade, defence cooperation, and critical minerals, with both sides signing fresh agreements to expand economic and strategic ties.
Takaichi, a protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, reaffirmed her commitment to boosting Japan’s defence spending and deepening cooperation with Washington. Trump praised her leadership and said she would be “one of Japan’s great prime ministers.”
Japan Promises Stronger Defence, U.S. Investments
Officials said Japan is preparing a $550-billion investment package that includes shipbuilding, energy, and technology initiatives. The plan also involves new purchases of U.S. soybeans, natural gas, and pickup trucks.
In return, Trump welcomed Tokyo’s move to raise defence spending to 2% of GDP, aimed at countering regional threats, particularly from China. “You’re making Japan stronger and safer, and we appreciate that,” Trump said.
Echoes of Shinzo Abe’s Legacy
Takaichi paid tribute to her late mentor Abe, gifting Trump a glass-encased golf putter, a gold-leaf ball, and a signed golf bag from Japanese pro Hideki Matsuyama. Abe, assassinated in 2022, was one of Trump’s closest international allies, and Takaichi noted she wished to carry forward that legacy.
Over lunch featuring U.S. beef and Nara-grown vegetables, the Japanese leader presented Trump with a map highlighting billions in new Japanese investments across the United States.
According to NHK, at least 10 major Japanese firms are planning to invest over $400 billion in sectors such as artificial intelligence and clean energy.
New Pact on Rare Earths and Critical Minerals
The two nations also inked an agreement to secure global supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, vital for high-tech and defence industries. The deal will identify joint projects on batteries, magnets, and material stockpiles over the next six months, reducing dependence on China.
Trump commended Japan’s purchase of more U.S. defence systems, while Takaichi lauded Trump’s diplomatic role in promoting ceasefires in Asia and the Middle East, calling his achievements “unprecedented.”
Focus on North Korea’s Abductions
Later, Trump met families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea in the 1960s and 1970s — an issue long championed by Abe. “The United States stands with them all the way,” Trump told reporters, reiterating that he is open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his Asia tour.
Regional Diplomacy and Next Stops
Trump’s Asia trip — his longest overseas journey since returning to office — began in Malaysia and will continue to South Korea on Wednesday, where he plans to meet President Lee Jae Myung before a summit with China’s Xi Jinping on Thursday.
Before departing Japan, Trump and Takaichi will visit the U.S. naval base at Yokosuka, home to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, underscoring the allies’ defence partnership. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is also set to hold talks with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Wednesday.