Trump visited Japan on the afternoon of October 27th

US President Trump visited Japan on the afternoon of October 27th, marking his first visit since taking office for the second time. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Trump will hold a summit meeting on the 28th, confirming their commitment to further strengthening the US-Japan alliance and achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific. Takaichi hopes the meeting will serve as a springboard for building personal ties.

On October 27th, Trump traveled to Japan from Malaysia, where he had been visiting. Upon arrival in the afternoon, he met with the Emperor of Japan at the Imperial Palace. The US-Japan summit will take place on the morning of the 28th, during which he will have lunch with Takaichi. In the afternoon, he will visit the US military base in Yokosuka and hold an exchange meeting with Japanese business leaders.

During the summit, the two governments will reach an agreement on scientific and technological cooperation in seven areas, including artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation communications standards. The two governments will strive to promote the widespread adoption of reliable AI infrastructure and communications networks in emerging countries, and promote research and development and the development of international standards.

The summit is expected to discuss topics such as the Takaichi government’s defense policy. On October 24th, in her policy speech, Takaichi emphasized that the “Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign and security policies.” She stated that “we will work together to address the challenges facing both countries and enhance the alliance’s deterrence and response capabilities.”

Takaichi plans to explain to Trump Japan’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. The Japanese government will revise its “three security documents,” including the National Security Strategy, and will bring forward the current plan, which sets total defense spending at approximately 43 trillion yen for fiscal years 2023-2027.

In addition, the Japanese and US governments will sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation aimed at strengthening shipbuilding capabilities. The two sides will establish a “Japan-US Shipbuilding Working Group” to discuss specific cooperation plans, and the document will include provisions to promote investment in the US shipbuilding industry and other maritime industries.

Some analysts believe that the two leaders will also reconfirm whether to implement the Japan-US tariff agreement reached during the previous Ishiba Shigeru administration.

On October 25th, Takaichi spoke with Trump by phone for approximately 10 minutes while visiting Malaysia, marking her first meeting with Trump since taking office. Takaichi stated, “Strengthening the Japan-US alliance is my government’s most important diplomatic and security priority.” Both sides agreed to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance.

On the morning of October 27th, after completing his schedule, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, Takaichi returned to Haneda Airport from Malaysia on a government plane.