Will Japan’s PM Use a Fleet of Ford F-150s to Win Over Trump?

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the nation’s first female leader, is leveraging Ford F-150 trucks as a diplomatic tool to build rapport with President Donald Trump during his visit to Tokyo. The government is reportedly considering purchasing a fleet of the iconic American pickups for infrastructure inspections—a symbolic gesture aimed at boosting U.S. exports and softening trade friction, even though the massive vehicles may struggle on Japan’s narrow urban roads.

Trump, arriving in Tokyo after a stop in Malaysia, warmly embraced the idea aboard Air Force One. “She has good taste. That’s a hot truck,” he told reporters, praising Takaichi as a protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, a close ally from his first term. The two leaders spoke by phone mid-flight, with Takaichi highlighting Abe’s legacy and Trump’s role in the Gaza ceasefire. “He’s a very cheerful and fun person,” she said, expressing eagerness to host him.

The truck proposal fits into Japan’s broader strategy to meet Trump’s demands for increased U.S. imports and $550 billion in American investments, agreed upon in September to reduce threatened 25% tariffs to 15%. Officials are exploring purchases of U.S. soybeans, LNG, and autos, while Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda may announce plans to import American-made Toyotas during a Wednesday dinner with Trump. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is compiling chip and energy projects to fulfill investment pledges.

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Despite the goodwill, challenges remain. The F-150’s size raises congestion concerns in dense cities like Tokyo, and Japan prefers directing investments toward domestic firms. Analysts note that while Takaichi’s Abe connection gives her leverage, over-reliance on his legacy risks limiting her independent stature. “She wants to start with a bang,” said Rintaro Nishimura of The Asia Group, “but must balance continuity with her own vision.”

As Trump prepares to meet Takaichi on Tuesday, followed by a speech aboard the USS George Washington and a business dinner, the Ford truck gambit underscores Japan’s creative diplomacy—using symbolic wins to navigate complex trade dynamics and strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance ahead of Trump’s summit with China’s Xi Jinping.

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