President Donald Trump arrived in Japan to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for the first time. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi posted a message on X, saying: “Welcome to Japan, @realDonaldTrump!”
President Donald Trump with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday.
Takachi is a protégé of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Takaichi is the first woman to lead Japan, and she took office only last week.
Trump and Takaichi look to reset US-Japan trade relationship
Dig deeper:
Trump and Takaichi met on Tuesday, they shook hands and he paid her a compliment: “That’s a very strong handshake.”
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In return, Takaichi talked about watching the third game of the U.S. World Series before the event. She said Japan would give Washington 250 cherry trees next year to honor America’s 250th anniversary, as well as fireworks from Akita Prefecture for July 4 celebrations.
She used her early remarks to mention former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, her archconservative mentor who forged a strong bond with Trump during his first term through their shared interest of golf.
“As a matter of fact, Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy,” she said.
What they’re saying:
Trump called her role as Japan’s first woman prime minister as a “big deal,” putting an emphasis on the U.S. commitment to Japan. While the president in the past has publicly scolded his foreign counterparts, he had nothing but praise for Tackaichi.
“Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said. “We are an ally at the strongest level.”
The meetings in Japan come before Trump’s sit-down with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday in South Korea.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) walks with US President Donald Trump upon his arrival at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo on October 28, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Gett
The Associated Press reported that the U.S. and Japan have sought to minimize China’s manufacturing efforts, as the growth of Chinese electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and advanced computer chips could undermine the American and Japanese economies.
Trump wants trade allies to purchase more U.S. goods and make financial commitments to build factories and energy infrastructure in the U.S.
According to the AP, Japan’s previous administration agreed in September to invest $550 billion in the U.S., which led Trump to lower a threatened 25% tariff on Japanese goods to 15%.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Associated Press. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.