Trump and Takaichi Forge Stronger U.S.–Japan Alliance in Tokyo
Donald Trump met with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on October 27, 2025, for wide ranging discussions focused on trade, investment and regional security. The meeting, held at the Akasaka Palace, marked Takaichi’s first major international engagement since becoming Japan’s first female prime minister earlier this month. It also underscored the importance of the U.S.–Japan alliance at a time of heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
The talks came amid growing concerns about China’s economic and military expansion, North Korea’s missile program and disruptions in global supply chains. For Trump, the visit offered an opportunity to advance his “America First” agenda while reinforcing Washington’s presence in the region. For Takaichi, it was a chance to demonstrate leadership on the global stage and continue the foreign policy legacy of her late mentor, Shinzo Abe, who had maintained a close relationship with Trump.
Economic cooperation dominated much of the meeting. The two leaders announced the launch of a U.S.–Japan Economic Resilience Partnership aimed at strengthening trade relations, securing critical mineral supplies and boosting cooperation in areas such as semiconductor production and artificial intelligence. Both governments emphasized the need to reduce dependence on China for essential raw materials and to create more secure and transparent supply chains.
Japan pledged to invest about 550 billion dollars in U.S. infrastructure, clean energy and manufacturing projects over the next decade, a move Trump described as a major win for American workers and businesses. In return, Washington committed to supporting Japanese industries seeking to expand operations in North America. Both leaders also discussed plans to ease trade barriers and promote greater market access for key exports such as agricultural products and vehicles.
Security was another central issue on the agenda. Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s intention to raise defense spending to two percent of its GDP and strengthen its military cooperation with the United States. Trump praised Japan’s growing security role in Asia, calling it a vital partner in maintaining peace and stability in the region. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to deterring Chinese aggression and countering North Korea’s nuclear threats.
During the visit, Trump and Takaichi toured the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington, which is stationed near Tokyo Bay. The visit highlighted the strong military partnership between the two nations and their shared readiness to respond to regional challenges. The leaders also met with families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, where Trump promised continued U.S. support for Japan’s efforts to resolve the long standing issue.
Takaichi presented Trump with a golf putter once owned by Shinzo Abe, symbolizing the friendship between the two countries and the continuity of Japan’s relationship with the U.S. Trump praised Takaichi as a strong and capable leader, expressing confidence in her ability to uphold Japan’s leadership role in Asia.