Tokyo( The COW News Digital) U.S. President Donald Trump and Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to hold the post in Japan’s history, exchanged warm compliments during a high-profile meeting in Tokyo that underscored the nations’ deepening political and economic ties.
According to Reuters, the two leaders signed several key agreements on trade and critical minerals, aimed at strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors and reducing dependency on China for essential resources.
President Trump praised Takaichi’s “strong leadership” and her commitment to bolstering Japan’s defense capabilities, calling her “one of Japan’s finest prime ministers.” He added with a smile, “This is a strong handshake — congratulations on becoming Japan’s first female leader. That’s a historic achievement.”
In return, Prime Minister Takaichi showered Trump with praise, announcing during the joint press conference that she would nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “extraordinary role” in achieving cease-fire agreements in Cambodia, Thailand, and the Middle East.
The meeting also featured the exchange of symbolic gifts — Takaichi presented Trump with a gold-plated golf ball, a golf putter once owned by late former PM Shinzo Abe, and a signed golf bag from Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama. The gesture was seen as a nod to Trump’s long friendship with Abe and his love of golf diplomacy.
One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the signing of a historic minerals agreement designed to secure the supply of rare earth elements and critical metals. The deal includes plans for joint ventures in magnet and battery production, exploration of new mineral deposits, and diversification away from Chinese suppliers — all within the next six months.
Takaichi reaffirmed her government’s decision to raise Japan’s defense budget to 2 percent of GDP, citing the need to counter China’s growing military assertiveness in the region. Trump applauded the move, emphasizing that “a stronger Japan means a safer Indo-Pacific.”
In addition to economic and security issues, the leaders also discussed humanitarian cooperation, including Trump’s planned visit with families affected by North Korea’s abductions, a longstanding emotional issue in Japan.
The summit marked a turning point in U.S.-Japan relations, blending diplomacy, symbolism, and strategic partnership under new leadership in Tokyo.
