TL;DR: President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed landmark agreements in Tokyo to boost economic, security, and mineral cooperation, cementing what both called a “New Golden Age” for the U.S.-Japan alliance.
What Happened
- On October 28, 2025, President Trump met Prime Minister Takaichi in Tokyo, marking his first visit to Japan since her election.
- Both leaders signed joint agreements to strengthen economic and security ties, including a framework on critical minerals and rare earths supply.
- The White House said the deal would “assist both countries in achieving resilience and security of critical minerals and rare earths supply chains.”
- Trump described a “great love of Japan,” adding: “Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there. We are an ally at the strongest level.”
- Takaichi praised Trump’s global diplomacy and announced plans to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Key Agreements and Outcomes
- “New Golden Age” Alliance Agreement builds on a July 2025 deal and Executive Order 14345 to deepen economic and strategic cooperation.
- Japan committed $550 billion in new U.S. investments across energy, technology, shipbuilding, and pharmaceuticals.
- A critical minerals supply agreement aims to reduce reliance on China by developing new mining and processing projects.
- Japan will accelerate defense spending to 2% of GDP while purchasing additional U.S. military equipment.
Event Highlights
- Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister and a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, hosted Trump at Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace.
- During their meeting, Takaichi gifted Trump Abe’s golf putter, a Matsuyama-signed golf bag, and a gold-leaf golf ball.
- Later, the leaders visited the Yokosuka Naval Base and addressed U.S. troops aboard the USS George Washington.
- Trump is continuing his Asia tour with stops in South Korea and at the APEC summit for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.