US President Donald Trump met with Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Tuesday, kicking off a high-stakes diplomatic day with a focus on trade and alliance-building. Takaichi, Japan’s first-ever female prime minister, took office only days ago.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The meeting began with a memorable moment when Trump, clasping hands with Takaichi, quipped, “That’s a very strong handshake.” The comment was seen as a light, but telling, start to the first encounter between the two leaders.
Trade and Symbolism:
The primary focus was on advancing a major trade deal. Trump is looking to secure $550 billion in Japanese investments to cut US tariffs and boost American exports. Takaichi is eager to solidify ties with Washington while protecting Japan’s trade interests.
The optics reinforced the trade message: outside the venue, a gold Ford F-150 pickup truck—a visual reminder of Trump’s desire for Japan to buy more American vehicles—was displayed, flanked by US-built Toyota models. Takaichi’s government is reportedly considering a symbolic purchase of Ford trucks as part of a “charm offensive.”
Part of a Larger Asia Tour
The Tokyo stop is a key part of Trump’s most extensive Asia trip since returning to office, aimed at reasserting US economic leadership and smoothing over past friction with allies.
- Prior Stops: The trip included a ceremonial visit with Japan’s emperor on Monday, followed by travel to Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN summit, where Trump celebrated a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, touting his “personal diplomacy dividend.”
- Military Focus: In Tokyo, Trump is also scheduled to address US troops aboard the USS George Washington at a nearby naval base.
- Looking Ahead: The trip is building toward a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this week, as negotiators work to finalize a trade deal between the world’s two largest economies. Trump departs for Seoul on Wednesday for the APEC summit.
