In Japan, Sakura trees mark the arrival of spring and signify rebirth or renewal. As this cultural symbol, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has announced that Japan will gift Sakura trees to the US on the Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence to be celebrated in 2026. Will the gesture also mark a fresh start in the relations between the two countries?
The relations between Japan and the United States have undergone political and economic turbulence since the inauguration of Donald Trump as president in January 2025. The White House imposed new tariffs; yet under the leadership of now-resigned Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, a trade agreement between the two countries was reached. Under it, Washington would apply a baseline tariff on almost all Japanese imports to the US.
Since the agreement was introduced, Japan has seen a phase of domestic instability as well. Ishiba’s resignation, a leadership race within the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the discontinuation of the coalition between the LDP and Komeito (Clean Government Party)—all within two months—led to Takaichi’s appointment as Japan’s new prime minister. In her first policy speech to the 219th session of the Diet, the new Prime Minister spoke about the importance of the alliance with the US and announced that she would meet with President Trump during his visit to Japan in October. For Takaichi, hosting Donald Trump was an early test of her diplomatic and political skills. Having taken office just recently and in turbulent times for Japanese domestic politics, receiving one of the world’s most unpredictable leaders posed a challenge in and of itself.
The visit came at a critical moment. Takaichi’s government is under pressure as the coalition parties do not have a majority in either house of parliament. Demonstrating competence on the international stage and strengthening ties with Washington might help her both reassure the Japanese public and reaffirm the alliance with the US amid growing tensions with China. During their first high-level meeting, Takaichi and Trump discussed potential opportunities, including in trade, investment, and security cooperation.
Cars, Critical Minerals, and Geopolitical Competition
Trump and Takaichi committed to major projects to further advance Japan’s existing investment in the United States, first and foremost, to strengthen American manufacturing and exports. As part of this agreement, various Japanese companies have expressed their intention to advance partnerships with American businesses. In critical energy infrastructure, such investments can amount up to $332 billion and up to $25 billion in large-scale power equipment supplies. Furthermore, Toyota agreed to export US-made vehicles to Japan and open its distribution platform to US automakers. This promise is important for the Japanese car market, heavily dominated by domestic brands, thus making it extremely difficult for US manufacturers to establish themselves in the country.
Additionally, the US and Japan signed an agreement on critical minerals, in which they declared to mobilise support from the government and private sector, including capital and operational expenditures. Within six months, they will generate funding for selected projects intended to deliver an end product to US and Japanese consumers, as well as to other countries, which the document refers to as like-minded. Therefore, this agreement aims to enable Japan to free itself from its dependency on China’s critical mineral exports.
At the meeting, the leaders of Japan and the US also discussed measures to strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. Takaichi had previously underscored the importance of the security alliance with the US in her first policy speech as the Prime Minister, where she pointed out that the region was witnessing a historical shift in the balance of power and in geopolitical competition. The US–Japan alliance thus remains essential for Japan’s security and diplomacy amid growing tensions and military developments in its immediate neighbourhood—specifically, in Russia, China, and North Korea.
The course to reinforce Japan’s defence capabilities, which began under late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and continued under his successors, is expected to be maintained under Takaichi
The course to reinforce Japan’s defence capabilities, which began under late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and continued under his successors, is expected to be maintained under Takaichi—a trend welcomed by the Trump administration. Trump and Takaichi agreed to further enhance cooperation through intelligence sharing, risk profiling, and operational collaboration. Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjiro and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth resolved to continue their efforts to advance multilateral cooperation with regional partners, in particular with Australia, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines, and with Japan and the US at the centre of an extended framework. Washington pledged to accelerate the deliveries of AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles for Japan’s F-35 fighter jets. Finally, Japan will pursue a new sanction framework that targets shadow fleets together with the US and other G7 partners.
A New Chapter
Tokyo and Washington have reaffirmed their alliance under the second Trump administration, clarifying that the US will continue to stand alongside Japan. Donald Trump has demonstrated his commitment to deepening relations with Japan, given the significance of strong alliances in the face of China’s assertive posture and military activities. In turn, Takaichi appeared optimistic and confident that relations between the two nations would be elevated to new heights.
Takaichi’s summit with the US President was widely considered as a first major foreign policy trial for the new Prime Minister—a test she mastered successfully
The visit marks not just a renewal of old commitments between Tokyo and Washington but also opens a new chapter for these longstanding partners. Keeping in mind the unpredictability of the course that a meeting with Donald Trump could take, Takaichi’s summit with the US President was widely considered as a first major foreign policy trial for the new Prime Minister—a test she mastered successfully. Although President Trump often criticises his counterparts during bilateral and multilateral gatherings, this time, he had nothing but praise for Takaichi.
For now, it seems like the Sakura trees are blooming again in Japan. Sakura, however, can also symbolise transition and the fleeting nature of life. Let’s hope this revival is not short-lived.
Views expressed in ICDS publications are those of the author(s).
AloJapan.com