First In-Person Meeting Since Launch of the Takaichi Cabinet
US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held the first bilateral summit since the launch of the Takaichi Cabinet on the 28th. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi began their first US-Japan summit on the 28th, following the launch of the Takaichi Cabinet. The two leaders fostered a friendly atmosphere by sharing common ground, including their connections with the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Shohei Ohtani, a Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers. With this, the Takaichi Cabinet made a smooth start, receiving President Trump's support at the first bilateral meeting between the two countries.
According to Reuters, AP, and Bloomberg, Prime Minister Takaichi opened the conversation by mentioning the World Series, a global baseball tournament, stating, "Currently, the Los Angeles Dodgers are leading the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0." Shohei Ohtani, a Japanese Major League Baseball player, is active with the Los Angeles Dodgers, an American baseball team.
Bloomberg reported that the two leaders started the summit a bit later than scheduled after watching the game between the teams together.
Early in the summit, Prime Minister Takaichi also mentioned former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, another point of connection with President Trump, saying, "Former Prime Minister Abe often spoke about your dynamic diplomacy," building a sense of rapport.
In response, President Trump expressed his sincere gratitude and congratulated her on becoming prime minister, adding, "Shinzo Abe was a great friend. He held you (Prime Minister Takaichi) in very high regard."
President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi standing side by side at the summit event. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
President Trump also said, "If former Prime Minister Abe had known that you are now serving as prime minister, he would have been very pleased," and added, "I felt great sorrow at the time of former Prime Minister Abe's assassination."
Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her gratitude for President Trump's congratulatory message sent shortly after her election as prime minister. She also praised Trump's efforts in mediating the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.
She said, "I highly appreciate your unwavering commitment to world peace and stability. I, too, have been deeply impressed and inspired," commending President Trump. However, there was no confirmation of any remarks related to a Nobel Peace Prize recommendation, as previously reported by foreign media.
She continued, "I am ready to further deepen cooperation with the United States to achieve our shared goal of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific."
After Prime Minister Takaichi's opening remarks, President Trump reaffirmed the alliance between the two countries, saying, "I am prepared to offer any favor necessary to support Japan. We are allies at the strongest level."
Regarding the fact that Prime Minister Takaichi is Japan's first female prime minister, he said, "That is truly remarkable. You will be one of the greatest prime ministers in Japanese history."
Sensitive issues such as tariff disputes between the United States and Japan or Japan's commitments to invest in the US were not mentioned. The methods for project selection and the extent of Japan's involvement have also not been clearly disclosed.
However, President Trump did mention Japan's increased defense spending, stating, "I am aware that Japan is significantly strengthening its military capabilities. The United States has received substantial military equipment orders from Japan."
Previously, Prime Minister Takaichi, seemingly mindful of such concerns from President Trump, stated in a parliamentary speech last week that she would "accelerate the largest enhancement of defense capabilities since World War II." President Trump has previously expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that Japan has not invested enough to counter China's military assertiveness.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Takaichi announced that she would donate an additional 250 cherry trees to Washington, D.C. next year to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. She also plans to present fireworks made in Akita Prefecture for next year's Independence Day celebrations.
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