President Donald Trump commenced a high-intensity segment of his Asia itinerary in Tokyo on Tuesday, extending a cordial reception to Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the nation’s first female leader. The encounter, held at the Akasaka Palace, focused on reinforcing bilateral relations while advancing a trade agreement projected to secure $550 billion in Japanese investments in exchange for reduced U.S. tariffs.

Trump commended Takaichi’s firm handshake and described her premiership as a significant milestone. He reiterated the United States’ commitment, stating, “Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” and characterized the alliance as operating at its highest level. Takaichi referenced her predecessor, Shinzo Abe, noting his accounts of Trump’s diplomatic approach, and announced gifts of 250 cherry trees for the U.S. bicentennial semiquincentennial in 2026, alongside fireworks from Akita Prefecture for Independence Day observances.

The leaders formalized two agreements: a brief document proclaiming a “golden age” of U.S.-Japan cooperation and a framework to ensure stable supplies of critical minerals and rare earth elements essential for technology and defense sectors. Trade negotiations highlighted potential Japanese procurement of Ford F-150 vehicles, addressing longstanding U.S. concerns over limited American automobile exports to Japan due to infrastructure constraints. Vehicles, including a gold-toned F-150 and U.S.-assembled Toyota models, were displayed outside the venue.

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

Trump later addressed American service members aboard the USS George Washington, stationed at a naval facility near Tokyo, underscoring military solidarity. His visit followed a formal audience with Emperor Naruhito on Monday and participation in the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, where he facilitated an expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia through conditional trade incentives.

Indications emerged of easing U.S.-China trade frictions, with officials signaling progress toward an accord ahead of a scheduled Trump-Xi Jinping meeting in South Korea. Negotiators described restructuring in China’s rare earth exports, previously met with U.S. tariff warnings. Trump departs Wednesday for Seoul to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, concluding a sequence of engagements designed to strengthen economic ties, secure resource chains, and stabilize regional dynamics. The accords and declarations position the U.S.-Japan partnership for enhanced strategic and commercial collaboration in the coming decade.

Also Read: Brazil Eyes Breakthrough in U.S. Trade Talks as Lula Hints at Tariff Relief