On October 28, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Japan, following his participation in the ASEAN summit in Malaysia. Takaichi and Trump engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, which both leaders described as entering a new “golden age.” One significant outcome of their meeting was the signing of a critical minerals agreement and the confirmation of a previous tariff agreement of 15%.
Trump received a ceremonial welcome at the Akasaka Palace, where they held a working lunch featuring American rice and beef prepared with Japanese ingredients. During the visit, Takaichi recognized Trump’s support in various global issues and proposed his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The meeting also included a symbolic visit to the USS George Washington, attended by cheering U.S. troops, where Takaichi reiterated her commitment to enhancing Japan’s defense capabilities. This comes in response to prior criticisms from Trump about Japan’s defense spending and obligations under their mutual security arrangement.
As Prime Minister, Takaichi faces the challenge of balancing domestic interests with international relations, particularly amidst pressures from Trump to open Japanese markets to U.S. goods, notably in the automotive and agricultural sectors. Japanese economic reliance on exports complicates this negotiation, especially against the backdrop of prior U.S. tariffs that impacted Japanese automakers.
In her interactions, Takaichi emphasized the importance of mutual interests and the need for clear communication about Japan’s national priorities. While she seeks to maintain strong ties with the U.S., there is also a recognition that Japan must manage its trade relationship with China. This nuanced diplomatic balancing act raises questions about how Takaichi will navigate her administration’s foreign policy moving forward.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8drem8518do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss