Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump held their first in-person summit at Tokyo's State Guest House on October 28, 2025, agreeing to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. The leaders discussed enhancing defense capabilities, economic ties, and steady implementation of tariff agreements, and met with families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea. They later visited the U.S. Naval Base in Yokosuka to address American servicemen.
The 40-minute meeting, attended by top officials from both nations, focused on bolstering the alliance. Takaichi stated, “Japan and the United States have now become the world’s greatest alliance. Japan will also contribute to world peace and prosperity,” adding, “We would like to build a new golden age for the Japan-U.S. alliance together with President Trump.” Trump replied, “This will be a relationship that will be stronger than ever before. We are an ally at the strongest level, and it’s a great honor to be with you.”
Takaichi outlined plans to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP and revise three security documents ahead of schedule. Trump acknowledged Japan's defense goals and expressed gratitude for its large-scale purchases of U.S. equipment. She praised Trump's achievements, including the Gaza ceasefire, saying, “I highly value your contributions to world peace and stability,” and indicated she would recommend him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
On economics, they discussed Japan's $550 billion (about ¥84 trillion) investment in the U.S. from tariff talks. Trump said, “We are going to do tremendous trade together, I think more than ever before,” calling it a “very fair deal.” The leaders signed agreements on tariffs and strengthening supply chains for critical minerals like rare earths, with plans for ministerial memorandums on AI and shipbuilding cooperation.
Before the summit, they watched a World Series game between the Dodgers and Blue Jays featuring Shohei Ohtani, setting a friendly tone. Japan leveraged the legacy of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who died in 2022 and had a close bond with Trump through golf and personal invitations. Gifts like Abe's golf clubs and a gold-leaf ball positioned Takaichi as his successor. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent views her similarly, with high hopes for Trump-Takaichi ties.
In the afternoon, they met abduction victims' families at the State Guest House. Trump assured, “We always have this [the abduction issue] in mind” and promised to “do everything within our power,” noting he would discuss it with Kim Jong Un if meeting him. Takuya Yokota, 57, whose sister Megumi was abducted at 13, said, “I believe the meeting with President Trump was probably realized due to the support of Prime Minister Takaichi. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.” Trump had met families in 2017 and 2019.
They then flew by Marine One to Yokosuka Naval Base, addressing troops on the USS George Washington. Trump called the eight-decade bond “a foundation of peace and security in the Pacific,” adding, “The cherished alliance between the United States and Japan is one of the most remarkable relationships in the entire world.” He noted they had “become very close friends all of a sudden.” Takaichi reaffirmed Japan's defense reinforcement, saying she would elevate the alliance “to even greater, greater heights” for regional peace. To mark the visit, Tokyo Skytree was lit in red, white, and blue on Monday night.
