Japan’s New PM Sanae Takaichi Prioritizes Stronger U.S. Alliance in First Call with Trump

Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, emphasized that strengthening the Japan–U.S. alliance is her administration’s “top priority” during her first phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday. Speaking from Malaysia, where she is attending a regional forum, Takaichi expressed her government’s commitment to deepening strategic ties with Washington amid growing regional challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

According to a statement posted on her official website, Takaichi described Japan as an “indispensable partner” in America’s strategies toward China and the wider Indo-Pacific region. “I conveyed to him that strengthening the Japan–U.S. Alliance is the top priority for my administration’s foreign and security policy,” she said. “We confirmed our shared commitment to further elevating the Alliance to new heights.”

The phone call took place while Trump was aboard Air Force One, en route to Malaysia. His upcoming visit to Japan, scheduled for Monday, will mark his first meeting with Takaichi since she assumed office last Tuesday. The two leaders are set to hold a summit in Tokyo on Tuesday, expected to focus on defense cooperation, trade, and regional security.

Trump began the call by congratulating Takaichi on her appointment and reminisced about the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was Takaichi’s political mentor. Reflecting on their exchange, Takaichi described Trump as “a very cheerful and engaging person.”

The conversation underscores a renewed phase in Japan–U.S. relations, signaling both nations’ intent to reinforce security and economic partnerships amid shifting global dynamics. Takaichi’s proactive diplomacy highlights her administration’s focus on stability and cooperation in the face of growing geopolitical tensions across the region.