President Donald Trump reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Japan alliance during a meeting with new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, pleding full support and expressing optimism for expanded trade.
“Anytime you have any question, any doubt, anything you want, any favors you need, anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said. “We are an ally at the strongest level.”
He praised Takaichi’s commitment to increasing defense spending and predicted bilateral trade would reach new heights. “We’re going to do tremendous trade together, I think, more than ever before,” he added, envisioning the relationship as “stronger than ever before.”
The leaders signed agreements on trade and critical minerals, building on a deal from Takaichi’s predecessor that includes Japan’s $550 billion investment pledge in U.S. projects. However, the documents were vague, emphasizing ongoing efforts rather than specific commitments.
Takaichi announced she would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic work. In return, Trump gifted her signed golf hats emblazoned with “JAPAN IS BACK.” She presented him with a putter belonging to the late Shinzo Abe—Trump’s close ally and her mentor—along with a golf bag signed by Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.
After a private lunch, the pair met with families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago. Japan hopes Trump will raise the issue if he meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the trip.
