US President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, during high-level talks in Tokyo focused on trade, defence, and critical minerals cooperation. The meeting marked a deepening of US-Japan ties under Takaichi’s leadership, which Trump described as “strong and historic.”
Takaichi, a close ally of the late Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, pledged to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, according to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
She also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 2% of GDP, aligning with Washington’s push for greater regional security contributions. Trump commended her pledge, noting, “You will be one of the great prime ministers. Congratulations on being the first woman prime minister — it’s a big deal.”
During their talks at the Akasaka Palace, the two leaders signed a landmark agreement to enhance cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths — key materials used in technologies from smartphones to fighter jets. The deal aims to identify joint projects in magnets, batteries, and mineral stockpiling within six months, helping both nations reduce reliance on China’s mineral supply chain dominance.
Takaichi also presented Trump with symbolic gifts, including former Prime Minister Abe’s golf putter, a signed bag from Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama, and a gold leaf golf ball, evoking Abe’s warm personal rapport with Trump.
Japan is expected to announce a $550 billion investment package involving shipbuilding, energy, and increased imports of US goods, including soybeans, natural gas, and vehicles. Trump, in turn, praised Japan’s decision to purchase more American defence equipment and highlighted Takaichi’s leadership as “decisive and forward-looking.”
Following their talks, Trump and Takaichi were scheduled to visit the US naval base in Yokosuka before Trump’s departure for South Korea, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade relations.
