Tokyo: President Donald Trump kicked off one of the busiest days of his Asia tour on Tuesday by warmly greeting Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi — the country’s first female leader — before heading to address U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier and meet top business executives.
While Japan remains one of Washington’s closest allies, Trump’s visit came amid economic uncertainty and high expectations. Takaichi, who assumed office only days ago, faces the challenge of strengthening her personal rapport with Trump while protecting Japan’s trade interests. The U.S. president, meanwhile, is seeking a $550 billion Japanese investment as part of a trade deal aimed at cutting American tariffs.
As the two leaders met, they exchanged smiles and a firm handshake. “That’s a very strong handshake,” Trump remarked. Takaichi responded by mentioning she had watched the third game of the U.S. World Series and announced Japan would gift 250 cherry trees to Washington next year to mark America’s 250th anniversary, along with fireworks from Akita Prefecture for the July 4 celebrations.
She also invoked the legacy of her mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had cultivated a close friendship with Trump during his first term. “Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy,” Takaichi said.
Praising her historic role, Trump called her appointment “a big deal” and reaffirmed the U.S.–Japan alliance: “Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there. We are an ally at the strongest level.”
Takaichi appeared eager to impress, with reports suggesting Japan may purchase Ford F-150 trucks as a goodwill gesture. Outside the Akasaka Palace, where the talks took place, a gold Ford F-150 and several white American-made Toyotas were displayed — a nod to Trump’s frequent complaints that U.S. cars are rarely sold in Japan.
Both leaders signed what Trump described as an agreement marking the “golden age” of the U.S.–Japan alliance. Though details were limited, the document appeared brief — less than a page long. They also inked a second pact establishing a framework for cooperation on critical minerals and rare earth supplies, areas increasingly vital to both nations’ economic security.
Beyond trade, Trump’s Asia visit carries strategic significance. Later Tuesday, he was set to speak aboard the USS George Washington, an American aircraft carrier stationed near Tokyo.
Trump arrived in Japan on Monday after a stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he attended the ASEAN Summit and celebrated a newly expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, achieved after U.S. mediation.
Signs also pointed to a thaw in U.S.–China relations ahead of Trump’s planned meeting with President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this week. Negotiators from both countries suggested a trade deal was “coming together,” potentially averting further escalation between the world’s two largest economies.
However, key issues — including China’s control of rare earth exports and U.S. tariff threats — remain unresolved.
Trump will depart Tokyo on Wednesday for Seoul, where he will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, continuing his effort to shape a new economic and security framework across the Indo-Pacific.
