Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, faces her first major international challenge as she prepares to meet US President Donald Trump in Tokyo on Tuesday. The meeting will follow the ASEAN summit in Malaysia and the APEC meeting in South Korea, highlighting the strategic importance of the US-Japan alliance.
Months before assuming office, Takaichi had declined an invitation to meet Trump, saying then-Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba should go first. Now, as Japan’s first female leader, she will engage with the US president for the first time, navigating a high-stakes relationship amid complex regional and economic challenges.
Trump praised Takaichi ahead of the meeting, describing their recent phone call as “very good” and calling her “great” and “friendly.” The discussions are expected to focus on tariffs, regional security, and Japan’s defense spending, all areas that have seen tension in recent months.
Takaichi’s domestic political landscape adds pressure. Her Liberal Democratic Party is still recovering from corruption scandals, and her approval rating stands at 71%, a figure she is keen to maintain while proving her capabilities on the global stage.
Defense is expected to dominate the talks. Takaichi aims to accelerate Japan’s planned defense spending increase to 2% of GDP from 2027 to March 2026, calling for a “proactive strengthening” of the country’s military capabilities. However, financing remains uncertain due to a weakening yen and her push for tax cuts.
Trade discussions may also be difficult. While tariffs on Japanese goods have fallen from 25% to 15% and Japan has pledged $550 billion in US investments, many details remain unresolved. Takaichi has included experienced negotiators in her cabinet, including Ryosei Akazawa, who led recent tariff talks, signaling her intention to continue former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s approach with the United States.
Energy policy is another potential area of discussion. Japan imports about 10% of its liquefied natural gas from Russia, and the US has pushed Tokyo to reduce that dependency without compromising energy security.
Regional relations will be closely watched. Takaichi has long been seen as hardline, criticizing China’s military presence and taking a nationalist stance on disputes with South Korea. Her visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine have drawn criticism from neighboring nations. Yet since taking office, she has signaled a more conciliatory tone, praising South Korean exports and culture while aiming to maintain cooperative ties.
China remains Japan’s largest trading partner, and balancing relations with Beijing while staying aligned with Washington will be a delicate task. Both Trump and Takaichi have taken hawkish positions on Beijing, particularly regarding Taiwan. Earlier this year, Takaichi visited the island, calling for closer cooperation on defense matters, prompting condemnation from China.
Takaichi has emphasized that US-Japan relations are a cornerstone of her foreign policy. At her first press conference, she said the alliance would reach “new heights” under her leadership and concluded with a firm statement: “There is no time to stand still.”
The meeting with Trump represents a critical test for Takaichi’s leadership. How she manages economic, defense, and regional issues will not only shape her premiership but could also influence the long-term direction of the US-Japan partnership.
