President Donald Trump met with newly inaugurated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Monday, marking the first official meeting between the two leaders since Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister earlier this month. The meeting, held at the stately Akasaka Palace, underscored both nations’ commitment to maintaining a strong security and economic partnership.
The encounter came one week after Takaichi formally assumed office following her election as leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). During the meeting, Trump congratulated her on breaking Japan’s political glass ceiling, calling her rise to power “a big deal — not just for Japan, but for the entire world.”
“I want to just let you know, 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.”
Takaichi, known for her conservative views and long-standing ties to the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, thanked Trump for his continued commitment to Japan and recalled Abe’s close relationship with him.
“Prime Minister Abe always spoke of the great trust and friendship between Japan and President Trump,” Takaichi said. “I hope to continue that legacy as we face new challenges in Asia and around the world.”
Trump, in turn, paid tribute to Abe, saying he had spoken highly of Takaichi long before she became prime minister. “He spoke so well of you, long before we met,” Trump said. “He would be very proud to see you leading Japan today, and I congratulate you on behalf of the United States.”
During the meeting, Takaichi commended Trump for his diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East and his role in easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia — an issue that had drawn international attention earlier this year.
As a symbol of friendship, Takaichi announced that Japan will donate 250 cherry blossom trees to the United States in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s founding in 2026. The gesture echoes Japan’s original 1912 gift of cherry trees to Washington, D.C., which has since become a lasting emblem of U.S.-Japan goodwill.
The leaders were also expected to discuss economic issues, particularly trade. The two countries signed a new trade agreement in July that set a 15 percent tariff on Japanese goods while securing a pledge from Japan to invest $550 billion in the United States. The deal followed months of negotiations during which Trump had threatened to raise tariffs to 25 percent before both sides reached a compromise.
Japan remains one of America’s largest trading partners. In 2024, U.S. exports to Japan totaled approximately $80 billion, while Japanese exports to the U.S. reached $148 billion, reflecting a deeply intertwined economic relationship that both leaders said they intend to strengthen further.
The meeting concluded with both Trump and Takaichi affirming the “unbreakable bond” between their nations. “Our alliance has stood the test of time,” Takaichi said. “It will continue to be the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Trump echoed her sentiment. “The U.S.-Japan friendship is stronger than ever,” he said. “We’ve achieved great things together, and the best is yet to come.”
