U.S. President Donald Trump showered compliments on Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, during meetings in Tokyo on Tuesday.
He endorsed her plans to boost defense spending.
Takaichi Honors Abe’s Memory
Takaichi, who assumed office a week ago, is a close associate of the late Shinzo Abe, Trump’s golf partner assassinated in 2022. She gifted Trump:
- Abe’s putter in glass
- Golf bag signed by Hideki Matsuyama
- Gold-leaf golf ball
Abe’s widow presented a painting with “PEACE” in gold.
Nobel Nomination Pledge
Trump’s team said Takaichi promised to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Major Investment Announcements
Japan outlined $400 billion in potential U.S. projects in:
- Energy
- AI
- Critical minerals
Earlier, Tokyo committed $550 billion in investments and loans to avoid U.S. tariffs.
Defense and Security Focus
Takaichi vowed to raise defense budget to 2% of GDP. Trump praised Japan’s purchase of U.S. weapons.
Trade and Mineral Agreements
Leaders signed pacts to:
- Expand trade
- Secure rare earth supplies
- Reduce China’s dominance in key tech components
Trump announced Toyota’s $10 billion U.S. auto plants and Japan buying Ford F-150 trucks.
Lunch and Business Talks
Over U.S. rice, beef, and Nara vegetables, Takaichi showed a map of Japanese investments since 2019. Firms like Mitsubishi, SoftBank, Hitachi plan major U.S. ventures.
North Korea Abductees
Trump met families of Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korea decades ago. He pledged full U.S. support and openness to meeting Kim Jong Un.
Naval Base Visit
Trump and Takaichi flew to USS George Washington at Yokosuka. Before 6,000 sailors, Trump called Takaichi “a winner.” She thanked U.S. forces. Japan hosts America’s largest overseas military presence.
Trump confirmed F-35 missile deliveries start this week.
Business Dinner
Trump spoke to Tokyo executives, joking with SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son about golf. Advisor Stephen Miller nodded off briefly.
Asia Trip Overview
Trump began in Malaysia Sunday, arrived Japan Monday for Imperial Palace welcome. He heads to South Korea Wednesday to meet President Lee Jae Myung, then Xi Jinping Thursday for trade talks.
Political Context
Takaichi uses Abe’s legacy to strengthen ties with Trump, bolstering her fragile coalition (two seats short of majority) amid rising approval.
Strategic Implications
Deals signal:
- Closer U.S.-Japan alliance
- Counter to China
- Economic integration
Trump’s Asia tour his longest since January, aims to reshape regional dynamics.
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