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Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is set to attend Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration for his second term as U.S. president, marking a historic first for a Japanese cabinet member. According to Japan's Nikkei newspaper, Iwaya will attend at the invitation of Trump’s team, underscoring the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Sources suggest Trump’s inauguration team is inviting officials from allied and like-minded nations, paving the way for potential side meetings. Tokyo is reportedly finalizing talks between Iwaya and Senator Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for secretary of state.
This visit will be Iwaya’s first trip to the United States since becoming foreign minister in October. Japan, a steadfast U.S. ally, seeks to maintain strong ties with Trump, who fostered good relations during his first term.
Before heading to Washington, Iwaya plans to visit South Korea on Monday to bolster security cooperation between the two East Asian nations and their shared U.S. ally. This collaboration aims to counterbalance China’s regional influence. However, political instability in South Korea, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, may complicate these efforts.
Iwaya will also travel to the Philippines, another U.S. treaty ally, and the Pacific island nation of Palau, which depends on U.S. support for its economy and defense.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping might send a high-level envoy, such as Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi, to Trump’s inauguration.
Both the Japanese Embassy in Washington and Trump’s inauguration team have yet to comment on these developments.
This series of visits reflects Japan’s strategic efforts to solidify alliances and navigate evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.
