1:29The Premier of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, delivers remarks during the 28th ASEAN-Japan Conference, as a segment of the 47th ASEAN Gathering and Associated Conferences in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 26, 2025.Chalinee Thirasupa/Pool via Reuters
The assembly between Japan's Head of Government, Sanae Takaichi, and U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo on Tuesday will represent a significant trial for the newly appointed leader.
She embodies a firm conservative viewpoint and holds the distinction of being the initial woman to hold the prime ministerial post in Japan. Takaichi is a close follower of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and will likely depend on her past associations with him to foster a positive connection and relationship with Trump. Abe, who tragically died in 2022, shared an especially intimate association with Trump.
Ian Bremmer, the president of Eurasia Group, highlights that Takaichi is politically in accordance with Trump regarding essential matters, notably encompassing immigration and defense. Bremmer anticipates that her engagement with Trump will proceed “remarkably well,” and he even suggests she might back Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
For Takaichi, commerce will assume primary importance. Japan was successful in negotiating a lesser tariff amount, positioned at 15 percent, compared to other nations. However, as an offset, it has committed to allocating $550 billion towards investment within the U.S. This figure is substantial, equating to more than one-tenth of Japan's total economic output.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit, as part of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 26, 2025.Chalinee Thirasupa/Pool via Reuters
As part of the arrangement, the U.S. maintains extensive freedom in determining the distribution of these resources, which has triggered apprehension within Tokyo concerning the precise methods and destinations of this financial commitment.
Takaichi is also anticipated to voice concerns about China's growing influence, both militarily and economically, in Asia. Simultaneously, she will pursue reassurance from Trump concerning the U.S.'s dedication to its economic and military partnership with Japan.
Takaichi, at 64, overcame four additional contenders to take over from outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down in September amid disappointing election results, as the leader of Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Within a deciding round of an internal election conducted by the LDP, Takaichi secured 185 votes, surpassing Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who garnered 156 votes.
She is the initial female figure to preside over the party, which has been a prominent force in Japanese politics since its establishment in 1955.
She secured the prime ministership through a vote in Japan's parliament during the prior week.
President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attend their bilateral meeting at the G20 Osaka Summit in Osaka, June 28, 2019.Kimimasa Mayama/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Having been initially elected to parliament back in 1993, Takaichi has taken on responsibilities as the minister of economic security, internal matters, and gender equality.
She has pointed to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as a wellspring of motivation.
During her college years, Takaichi was a drummer in a heavy metal musical group and lists pastimes like scuba diving, music performance, involvement in martial arts, and baseball viewership as her personal pursuits.
ABC News' Morgan Winsor contributed to this report.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
