Ishiba invites Trump to visit Japan in a letter
Tokyo, September 2, 2025 — Amidst ongoing legal challenges to U.S. tariff policies, Japanese lawmakers have extended an invitation to U.S. President Donald Trump to visit Japan. The invitation comes as Japan and the U.S. grapple with potential shifts in their trade relations. This move is seen as an attempt to maintain diplomatic ties and address trade issues head-on.
The invitation was extended by Japanese politician and former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Sanae Ishiba. Ishiba, known for his conservative stance, has been vocal about the need to maintain strong trade ties with the U.S. [1]
The invitation coincides with a significant legal development. On September 3, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that his administration may have to “unwind” tariff deals with Japan and other trading partners if they lose a tariff case in the Supreme Court. The U.S. appeals court has already ruled that the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs on trading partners, including Japan, were illegal [2].
Trump’s remarks underscore the potential economic implications of the ongoing legal battle. If the Supreme Court rules against the Trump administration, it could lead to a significant change in U.S. trade policies, affecting not only Japan but other trading partners as well.
The visit, if accepted, would provide an opportunity for both countries to discuss the future of their trade relations. It would also offer a platform for Trump to address the concerns raised by the legal challenges and potentially reassure Japanese stakeholders about the stability of U.S. trade policies.
References:
[1] https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/09/04/a-lesson-in-trump-charming
[2] https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2025090400216/
AloJapan.com