Trump in Tokyo for trade, security talks; Japan expected to focus on investment, defence
U.S. President Donald Trump departed for Tokyo on Monday, where he was scheduled to meet Japan’s emperor and newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as part of an Asia trip aimed at securing trade deals, investment and increased defence spending.
Trump, on his longest journey abroad since taking office in January, announced a slew of deals with Southeast Asian countries and oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia during his first stop in Malaysia.
While the U.S. President has already landed a $550 billion investment pledge from Japan in exchange for respite on punishing import tariffs, Takaichi is hoping to further impress Trump with promises to purchase U.S. pickup trucks, soybeans and gas, according to Reuters.
“Just leaving Malaysia, a great and very vibrant Country. Signed major Trade and Rare Earth Deals, and yesterday, most importantly, signed the Peace Treaty between Thailand and Cambodia. NO WAR! Millions of lives saved,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social shortly before his departure.
“Such an honor to have gotten this done. Now, off to Japan!!!”
Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister last week, told Trump that strengthening their countries’ alliance was her “top priority” in their first phone call on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and his Japanese counterpart Ryosei Akazawa, architects of the tariff deal agreed in July, are set to hold a working lunch on Monday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, travelling with Trump alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is also expected to meet with his new counterpart Satsuki Katayama for the first time.
As for defence, Japan plays host to the biggest concentration of U.S. forces abroad and Trump has previously complained that Tokyo is not spending enough towards defending its islands.
Takaichi has promised to accelerate a plan to increase defence spending to 2% of GDP. To do that she would need to win approval from parliament. However, her coalition government is two seats short of a majority in the decision-making lower house.
