US President Donald Trump held his first phone conversation with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Saturday. The call lasted about 10 minutes. Trump congratulated Takaichi on her election victory, while both leaders discussed ways to deepen the US-Japan partnership.
During the call, Takaichi told Trump that “strengthening the US-Japan alliance is the top diplomatic and security issue for my administration.”
Japan’s Strategic Importance
After the call, Takaichi spoke to reporters in Malaysia, where she is attending an ASEAN summit alongside Trump. She said, “Japan is an extremely important country for the US strategy toward China and the Indo-Pacific.”
On X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “Had a good and candid conversation with @realDonaldTrump today and truly appreciated his warm congratulatory message on my appointment as Prime Minister. Together with him, I am determined to elevate the Japan–US Alliance to even greater heights.”
She added, “Starting tomorrow, I’ll be attending ASEAN-related Summit Meetings. I am looking forward to working closely with the US and our regional partners toward a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
Had a good and candid conversation with @realDonaldTrump today and truly appreciated his warm congratulatory message on my appointment as Prime Minister. Together with him, I am determined to elevate the Japan–U.S. Alliance to even greater heights.
— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) October 25, 2025
Starting tomorrow, I’ll be…
Key Topics Discussed
Takaichi also sought US support on the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea. The leaders further discussed conditions in West Asia.
Trump is scheduled to visit Japan from Monday to Wednesday. During this visit, he will hold his first face-to-face talks with Takaichi.
Trump’s Past Remarks on Takaichi
Before taking office, Trump praised Takaichi, calling her “a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength.” He described her election as “tremendous news for the incredible people of Japan.”
In response, Takaichi said, she is “truly hoping to work together with President Trump to make our alliance even stronger and more prosperous, and to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Challenges Ahead
However, it remains unclear if Takaichi can maintain a strong, lasting political bond with Trump. His relationships with world leaders have often been unpredictable.
Domestically, Takaichi faces challenges as her ruling Liberal Democratic Party lacks a legislative majority. Observers also recall Trump’s first term, when he initially called UK Prime Minister Theresa May “my Maggie” before disagreements over Brexit strained their relationship.