U.S. President Donald Trump met Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on October 28, 2025, for their first summit, pledging to strengthen the alliance. Takaichi promised a 'new golden age' for ties, while Trump praised her leadership. The talks focused on trade, security, investments, and defense cooperation.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Tokyo from Malaysia on October 27, 2025, and met Emperor Naruhito that evening at the Imperial Palace. The 30-minute meeting included greetings where the emperor said, “It’s wonderful to see you again,” and Trump replied, “Thank you very much.” They discussed global conflicts, strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, and Japanese athletes like Shohei Ohtani.
On October 28 morning, Trump held his first in-person summit with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at Akasaka Palace. As Japan's first female prime minister, Takaichi received praise from Trump for her “very strong handshake.” She presented him with one of Shinzo Abe's golf clubs and said, “As a matter of fact, Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy.” Trump responded, “Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers. I'd also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It's a big deal,” adding, “Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there. We are an ally at the strongest level.”
The leaders signed an agreement for a “golden age” of the alliance and a framework for securing critical minerals and rare earths. Japan pledged $550 billion in investments, including increased purchases of U.S. soybeans, natural gas, and pickup trucks like Ford F-150s. Takaichi plans to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in ceasefires between Thailand and Cambodia, and between Israel and Palestinian militants as “unprecedented” achievements. She also committed to accelerating defense spending to 2% of GDP.
In the afternoon, the two traveled by helicopter to the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, to tour the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, demonstrating alliance solidarity. Trump was scheduled to dine with Japanese business leaders later and depart for South Korea on October 29 for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. With 18,000 police mobilized in Tokyo, the visit underscored efforts to counter China's assertiveness amid trade tensions.
