President Donald Trump wrapped up the Japan leg of his Asia tour with a grand ceremony, praise, and new trade promises. He met Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi — the country’s first female leader — and the two pledged a ‘new golden age’ in US–Japan relations.
During their meeting at Tokyo’s ornate Akasaka Palace, Trump and Takaichi signed a key deal on rare earth minerals, materials crucial for modern technology. They also reaffirmed earlier trade agreements, including a 15% tariff deal. Takaichi congratulated Trump for his leadership and announced that Japan would nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump, in turn, praised Takaichi as a strong and capable leader and promised continued US support for Japan.
The leaders also visited the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, where they were greeted by cheering American troops. Takaichi called the US–Japan alliance ‘the greatest in the world’ and promised to raise Japan’s defense spending. Trump welcomed the move and announced the delivery of US-made missiles for Japan’s F-35 fighter jets.
Despite the warm atmosphere, challenges remain. Trump urged Japan to open its markets further to American products such as rice, soybeans, and vehicles. Meanwhile, Takaichi must protect domestic industries and maintain Japan’s key trade ties with both the US and China. Analysts say she faces a delicate balancing act — strengthening Japan’s alliance with the US while managing regional economic realities.
As Trump continues his Asia tour, with stops in South Korea and a planned meeting with China’s Xi Jinping, the Tokyo visit has set a hopeful yet cautious tone for the future of US–Japan relations.
