Tokyo: United States President Donald Trump has met Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, in Tokyo, marking a significant moment as she became the country’s first female leader.
The meeting focused on deepening economic and security cooperation, with both sides signing agreements on trade and critical minerals. Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great leader’ and commended her plans to accelerate Japan’s military buildup.
Trump stated that, “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.” According to reports, Takaichi, a close ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump’s key partners reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to boost defence spending to 2 percent of GDP in response to regional security challenges, particularly from China.
President Trump Participates in a Signing Ceremony with the Prime Minister of Japan https://t.co/Vwo8a77mId
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 28, 2025
The two leaders also concluded a $550 billion economic package that includes increased Japanese investment in the United States and expanded purchases of American soya beans, natural gas, and pickup trucks.
As a symbolic gesture, Takaichi presented Trump with personal gifts linked to Abe, including Abe’s golf putter, a golf bag signed by Japanese pro Hideki Matsuyama, and a gold-leaf golf ball.
Deal on critical minerals
A key highlight of the summit was the signing of a critical minerals and rare earths supply chain agreement, aimed at reducing dependence on China. The White House stated that the deal would enhance resilience and ensure the secure supply of essential materials used in electronics, batteries, and defence technologies.
Takaichi, in turn, lauded Trump’s international diplomacy, citing his role in ceasefire efforts in Cambodia, Thailand, and the Middle East, and announced her intention to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Following the talks, Trump and Takaichi were scheduled to visit the US naval base in Yokosuka, home to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, before Trump departs for South Korea to hold further discussions, including a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to pursue a potential trade war truce.
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