U.S.-Japan Relations
Building on initial reports of interest, Japan will notify the US next week of its intent to join the 'Golden Dome' missile defense project, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said ahead of her March 19 summit with President Trump. Officials anticipate US requests for Japanese missile production to replenish stocks amid Middle East and Ukraine conflicts.
Imeripotiwa na AI
The Japanese and U.S. governments are set to cooperate on developing deep-sea mud rich in rare earths off Minami-Torishima Island in Tokyo's Ogasawara Village. Ahead of a summit on Thursday in Washington between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump, the two sides are advancing toward signing a memorandum to establish a working group on marine mineral resources. This initiative aims to secure a stable supply of critical minerals.
A suicide note from Kei Wakaizumi, Japan's secret negotiator for the 1972 Okinawa reversion, is now on display at the Okinawa Prefectural Archives. The letter expresses his grief over brokering a covert nuclear agreement with the United States, highlighting tensions in U.S.-Japan relations.
Imeripotiwa na AI
In the latest development in the ongoing debate over Japan's non-nuclear stance, senior Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Itsunori Onodera called on Sunday for renewed discussions on the country's three non-nuclear principles, signaling potential revisions under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration.