Takaichi and Trump Reaffirm 'The World's Greatest Alliance'

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and United States President Donald Trump held their first in-person summit on October 28 at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo. Both leaders reaffirmed the strength of the Japan–US alliance and pledged closer cooperation on defense, trade, and technology.

First after the meeting, which lasted roughly 30 minutes, they met with the families of Japanese abducted by North Korea. Later in the day, the two boarded Marine One on their way to a joint appearance aboard the USS George Washington in Yokosuka.

That evening, Takaichi delivered remarks to the press highlighting what she called "major achievements through frank discussions across a wide range of fields."

Warm Opening and Familiar Ties

Takaichi opened the summit with a light exchange, apologizing for the slight delay and explaining that she and Trump had been watching baseball together. "The Dodgers are leading one-to-zero," she said with a laugh before turning to policy.

She thanked Trump for his congratulatory message immediately after her victory in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race, and for his "long friendship with former Prime Minister [Shinzo] Abe."

*Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (center right) welcomes US President Trump to his seat at the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, on October 28 as the Japan-US summit begins. (Pool photo)*

The Prime Minister recalled how Abe had often spoken of Trump's "dynamic diplomacy," citing his mediation of a cease-fire between Thailand and Cambodia and his "unprecedented historic achievements in the Middle East." "In such a short time," she said, "the world became more peaceful, thanks to President Trump's unwavering commitment to global stability."

Takaichi went on to declare that "Japan and the US now share the greatest alliance in the world." Her remarks underscored her intention to "restore a strong Japanese diplomacy" and to bolster every element of Japan's national strength — "its diplomacy, defense, economy, technology, intelligence, and human resources."

A New 'Golden Age' of the Alliance

Looking ahead to America's 250th anniversary in 2026, she announced Japan's plan to donate 250 cherry trees to Washington, DC, and support a July 4 fireworks display using fireworks from Akita Prefecture. "Together with President Trump," she said, "I wish to build a new golden age of the Japan–US alliance."

Trump responded in kind, repeatedly invoking the memory of Prime Minister Abe, whom he mentioned four times, and linking Takaichi to Abe's diplomatic legacy. "Shinzo was a wonderful friend," he said. "His passing was shocking and deeply sad." Trump added that Abe had often spoken highly of Takaichi even before she became prime minister: "He must be very happy right now."

He then congratulated her on being Japan's first female leader, calling it "a very big deal," and said he was certain she would "become a great prime minister."

Trump welcomed Japan's plan to increase defense spending and purchase US equipment, stressing that "America has the best fighter jets and missiles in the world." And he said he looked forward to growing trade between the two countries under what he described as "a very fair agreement." Japan, he declared, "is our most important ally. Our relationship will become stronger than ever before."

Standing Together in Yokosuka

Following the meetings in Tokyo, the two traveled to Yokosuka Naval Base, where they addressed US and Japanese service members aboard the USS George Washington.

*Prime Minister Takaichi speaks aboard the US carrier George Washington at Yokosuka Naval Base with President Trump, October 28, Yokosuka, Kanagawa.*

Takaichi recalled that Abe and Trump had stood on the same deck six years earlier and vowed to safeguard peace in the Indo-Pacific. "Today, as the two commanders in chief of our nations once again stand together, I renew that determination to make the Indo-Pacific free and open," she said.

Referring to "the most severe security environment Japan has ever faced," she promised to "fundamentally strengthen our defense capabilities" and "raise the alliance to even greater heights." She added: "Peace is not preserved by words alone, but by firm determination and action."

Broader Strategy and Shared Commitments

At her evening press briefing, Takaichi said she and Trump had reached a broad consensus on key strategic priorities. The two leaders agreed to further reinforce the alliance's deterrence and response capabilities. They also pledged to deepen cooperation with other regional partners — notably South Korea, the Philippines, and India — in advancing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision first championed by Abe.

She confirmed that Japan would continue to "fundamentally enhance its defense capabilities and expand its defense budget," while also working with Washington on economic security.

The summit produced signed memorandums on critical minerals cooperation and implementation of a new economic agreement, aimed at diversifying supply chains away from dependence on China. Related to this, Takaichi mentioned prospective joint resource exploration in waters near Minamitorishima and around Hawaii. Both sides would collaborate in advanced technologies and innovation, she said.

The discussions extended to global issues such as the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and North Korea's abductions of Japanese citizens — an issue on which Trump told families he "would do everything within our power." Takaichi concluded that the meeting demonstrated "the unity of purpose between Japan and the US" and showed that the alliance "has entered a new phase of depth and trust."