Takaichi’s policies have a firm approach in regard to immigration. As the head of government, she will manage domestic and financial pressures, a trade accord with the Trump administration, and several regional geopolitical issues. Her leadership signifies a pivotal moment for Japanese politics and the U.S.-Japan alliance. Closely aligned with her mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, her interactions with Trump and remarks on bilateral relations are anticipated to shape economic, security, and diplomatic cooperation.
Trump’s Comments on Takaichi
Earlier this month, Trump extended congratulations to Takaichi on her way to winning the leadership competition within her party, though he did not cite her by name. He explained her as:
“a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength.”
He further stated:
“Japan has just elected its first female Prime Minister, a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength. This is tremendous news for the incredible people of Japan. Congratulations to all!”
Strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance
Takaichi highlighted her plans to intensify the bilateral alliance:
“We look forward to working together to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
In another statement, she mentioned:
“Truly hoping to work together with President Trump to make our Alliance even stronger and more prosperous, and to advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
In her initial press conference after securing the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election, she pledged to strengthen the U.S.-Japan ties and honor tariff and trade accords established under former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. However, she highlighted Japan’s interests as her foremost priority.
Trade and Economic Policies
In September, Takaichi cited that a $550 billion Japanese investment fund connected to minimized U.S. tariffs, indicating renegotiation could be required:
“We must stand our ground if anything unfair that is not in Japan’s interests comes to light in the process of implementing the deal. That includes a potential renegotiation.” – South China Morning Post
Japan had committed to invest $550 billion under a July trade deal, reducing the U.S. tariff on Japanese products to 15 percent, down from the 25 percent primary threatened by Trump.
Defense and Security Stance
Takaichi has earlier criticized Trump, citing in April that his remarks on the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty that created uncertainty in Japanese citizens in regard to whether the U.S. would defend Japan. She advocates strengthening Japan’s independent defense mechanisms (Focus Taiwan).
As a conservative nationalist, her leadership could tense ties with China and South Korea, both impacted by Japanese occupation historically. Takaichi frequently visits Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, honoring Japan’s war dead, that includes executed war criminals as an action perceived by neighbors as symbolic of historical militarism. She also supports revising Japan’s pacifist postwar constitution and has indicated forming a “quasi-security alliance” with Taiwan, angering Beijing.
Upcoming Meetings
Takaichi, an admirer of Britain’s Margaret Thatcher, is set to meet Trump at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in South Korea in October. Both are anticipated to align on conservative challenges like immigration.
Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, remarked:
“Compared to her most recent predecessors, Takaichi may take more nationalistic positions on North Korea and regional historical sensitivities than Seoul would prefer, but U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral cooperation should remain a priority. Beijing is likely to respond with diplomatic criticism and even economic coercion if Takaichi increases Tokyo’s support of Taiwan, counters China’s maritime expansionism, or manages to revise Japan’s postwar pacifist constitution.”
FAQs:
- Who is Sanae Takaichi?
Sanae Takaichi is Japan’s first female prime minister and a conservative personality aligned with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. - When did she become prime minister?
Takaichi was elected as Japan’s prime minister in October 2025.
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