Takaichi-Trump Summit Talks Highlight Leaders’ Close Relationship

By Kazuhiko Hori and Shinji Abe / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writers

16:30 JST, March 21, 2026

WASHINGTON — Summit talks between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday in Washington served as an opportunity to showcase the two leaders’ close relationship.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, there had been speculation that the United States might make strong demands of Japan. However, the meeting ended in a friendly atmosphere, prompting sighs of relief among those in the Japanese government.

Upon arriving at the White House, Takaichi and Trump hugged, and the two seemed excited to meet again after five months.

At the start of the meeting, which was open to the press, Trump praised Takaichi who had led her Liberal Democratic Party to a landslide victory in the House of Representatives election last month.

“I respect her a lot … She had the most successful election, in my opinion, in the history of Japan,” Trump said. “So we have a very popular, powerful woman, and she’s a great woman.”

The prime minister offered her support to Trump who is struggling with the war against Iran.

“I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community,” Takaichi told Trump.

The dinner, which was hosted by Trump after their talks, also highlighted their close relationship.

“A stronger Japan and a stronger America. A more prosperous Japan and a more prosperous America. I am very confident that Donald and I are the best buddies to realize this shared goal,” Takaichi said in her opening remarks at the dinner.

The two leaders then shook hands.

Quoting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had built a close relationship with Trump, she raised her right arm and said, “Japan is back,” drawing laughs and applause from the attendees.

Music of the rock band X Japan, a group Takaichi says she is a fan of, played at the dinner, and Trump reportedly signed Takaichi’s menu.

The latest talks between the two leaders took place amid the ongoing U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Many had expressed concerns that Trump would make strong demands.

“We said what needed to be said during the talks, and it ended in a cordial atmosphere,” said a Japanese government official. “I think we can call it a success.”

In addition to key ministers from Japan and the United States, the dinner was attended by business leaders, including SoftBank Group Corp. Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son and Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of U.S. tech giant Google LLC.