TOKYO, JAPAN Oct 28, 2025 – President Donald J. Trump arrived at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo on Tuesday morning local time, extending a firm handshake to Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in a symbolic display of U.S.-Japan alliance amid escalating global tensions. The warm greeting, captured in a White House video shared on X, underscored the leaders’ commitment to deepening bilateral ties as Trump embarks on a high-profile Asia tour.
The bilateral meeting marks the first face-to-face encounter between Trump and Takaichi, who assumed office last month as Japan’s first female prime minister, a milestone celebrated by Trump during their initial exchange. “Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Trump remarked, referencing his late ally, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal.” In a nod to their shared history, Takaichi presented Trump with one of Abe’s prized golf clubs, evoking fond memories of past rounds that helped forge personal rapport between the U.S. president and Japanese leadership.
At the top of the agenda were thorny issues of trade imbalances and regional security, with both leaders signaling optimism for breakthroughs. Discussions focused on a potential $550 billion trade package, including boosted Japanese purchases of U.S. soybeans, liquefied natural gas, and pickup trucks, alongside cooperation in shipbuilding to counter China’s dominance in the sector. Trump, fresh off domestic battles including a protracted federal government shutdown now in its 26th day, emphasized the economic benefits, telling reporters the deal would “make America stronger and Japan even greater.”
On security, Takaichi pledged to accelerate Japan’s military modernization, aiming to ramp up defense spending to 2% of GDP—a move Trump hailed as “fantastic” in addressing threats from an “assertive China.” The leaders also announced plans for an agreement on critical minerals and rare earths, vital for electric vehicles and semiconductors, during Trump’s forthcoming visit to the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka, home to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. Takaichi praised Trump’s diplomatic record, citing his role in brokering ceasefires between Cambodia and Thailand, and between Israel and Palestinian militants, as “unprecedented” feats that bolster global stability.
Takaichi’s rise to power has injected fresh energy into Japan’s conservative politics. A staunch Abe protégé known for her hawkish stance on national security and cultural conservatism, she entered office riding a wave of public approval but faces challenges with her coalition holding a slim two-vote minority in the lower house of parliament. Her administration has prioritized strengthening the U.S. alliance, a cornerstone of Japanese foreign policy, while navigating domestic pressures over issues like religious freedoms and economic recovery.
The Tokyo summit is the second stop on Trump’s whirlwind Asia itinerary, following a brief layover in Hawaii. He is slated to meet business leaders later Tuesday before heading to South Korea for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on easing the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. In a surprising development, Japanese government sources indicated Takaichi plans to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, building on endorsements from other international figures.
Back home, the meeting unfolds against the backdrop of a U.S. federal government shutdown, with the USDA warning of suspended SNAP benefits for millions, highlighting the stark contrast between Trump’s international diplomacy and mounting domestic woes. White House officials downplayed the timing, insisting the trip reinforces America’s global leadership at a pivotal moment.
As the leaders toured the palace grounds, onlookers and social media buzzed with optimism. “Two great leaders standing strong together,” one X user posted in response to the White House video, echoing calls for enhanced U.S.-Japan collaboration on everything from trade to countering authoritarian influences. With China looming large on the horizon, this partnership could redefine Indo-Pacific dynamics for years to come.
