Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) shakes hands with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following a joint news conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, Jan. 16. (©Sankei by Ataru Haruna)
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held talks on Friday in Tokyo with visiting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across a wide range of areas, including energy and critical mineral supply chains, space technology, and the joint development of next-generation fighter jets.
Amid the spread of protectionism and the increasing fragmentation of the international order, the two sides also pledged to work closely to uphold free trade and maintain economic stability.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Takaichi said cooperation between Japan and Italy was "steadily progressing across a wide range of fields."
She noted that 2026 will mark the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, adding that she hoped "to use this meaningful milestone as an opportunity reaffirm and deepen the special relationship between our two nations."
The two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to what they described as a 'special strategic partnership.'
Energy and Defense Ties
With both countries heavily reliant on imported energy, the issue is reported to have featured prominently, with discussions focusing on strengthening their respective resilience. This has become more urgent as the United States has urged G7 countries to cooperate on measures restricting the import of liquefied natural gas linked to Russia.
The two sides agreed to step up policy coordination to improve energy supply chain stability in the future.
Security cooperation was also discussed, with particular attention given to the Global Combat Air Programme, a joint next-generation fighter jet development project involving Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
The program aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter aircraft with capabilities exceeding those of advanced US jets such as the F-35, with deployment targeted for 2035.
The two leaders also mentioned that Italian naval vessels are scheduled to make port calls in Japan between August and September, a move expected to deepen military and security exchanges.
Rare Earth Supply Chains
Against the backdrop of rapidly changing global conditions, Takaichi and Meloni reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a free and open international order and to jointly responding to protectionist trends.
As part of that effort, securing rare earth supply chains emerged as another outcome of the meeting. In a joint statement, the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation to ensure stable access to these critical minerals.
"We agreed that it is an urgent priority for like-minded countries to collaborate in bolstering supply chains for critical minerals used across various industries," the Japanese Prime Minister said.
Meloni, for her part, said she hoped the two countries would move forward with a "three-year action plan" on economic security.
Tokyo has sought to diversify its rare earth supply chains since China imposed restrictions on Japan following a fierce dispute over the Senkaku Islands in 2010. In particular, Takaichi's government has faced heightened tensions with Beijing since last year following her Diet response on a potential Taiwan contingency.
China responded swiftly with retaliatory measures. On January 6, Beijing tightened export controls on dual-use goods bound for Japan, a measure that could include critical minerals such as rare earth elements.
Towards a Lasting Friendship
Beyond energy and security, the two countries agreed to expand collaboration in advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors, and biotechnology, and to work together to increase direct investment.
Takaichi and Meloni have met previously, including on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, and also held a telephone summit shortly after Takaichi took office.
Their interactions have drawn media attention as both leaders are conservative female politicians who are often seen as sharing similar views on security, economic policy, and national sovereignty.
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Author: Kenji Yoshida
