On Tuesday, President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged warm words, solidifying their bond by signing a significant trade and rare earth minerals agreement.
President Trump joined Mr. Takaichi for a visit to U.S. military personnel aboard the USS. George Washington. During the event, he introduced her as “the winner,” prompting her to leap with joy to the applause of many.
The president even demonstrated an impromptu version of the so-called Trump dance for the troops.
Takaichi shared a striking photo from a helicopter ride with Trump, describing him as a “great ally and friend.”
President Trump remarked, “From what I hear from Shinzo and others, you’re set to be one of the great prime ministers.” He made this comment during their meeting at the Akasaka Imperial Palace in Tokyo, where Takaichi honored her mentor, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
“Congratulations on being the first female prime minister. That’s significant,” Trump added.
He assured Takaichi that if she ever needed anything, “we will always be there. We are allies at the highest level.”
Takaichi presented Trump with a putter once belonging to Prime Minister Abe, displayed in a glass case with a gold leaf golf ball and a signed golf bag from champion Hideki Matsuyama. Although she isn’t a golfing fan, she did manage to watch a baseball game with Trump earlier that day.
Additionally, she gifted Trump a set of hats featuring Abe’s campaign slogan, “Japan is Back.”
Call it a bond: Prime Minister Abe, who had a close relationship with Trump, tragically passed away in July 2022. The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, responsible for Abe’s assassination, began this week in Nara City, which is also Takaichi’s hometown. During lunch, Trump and Takaichi enjoyed local cuisine consisting of rice and beef.
Trump and Takaichi discussed serious matters, signing an agreement to collaborate on the supply of critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to lessen China’s control over these essential supply chains.
They also laid plans for joint projects in energy and artificial intelligence, which the White House suggests could attract around $400 billion in Japanese investments into the U.S. Trump mentioned that Toyota is looking to invest $10 billion in U.S. car manufacturing, but the company hasn’t confirmed this yet.
As for the future, during their Tokyo meeting, Trump announced he’d nominate Takaichi for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, praising her “unwavering commitment to world peace and stability” after their joint appearance.
