Trump Meets Japan PM Takaichi, Seals Investment Agreements

President Donald Trump visited Tokyo to meet with Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Japan relations. Trump publicly praised Takaichi, calling her "one of the greatest" leaders and affirming a strong alliance, signaling a strategic partnership rather than a mere diplomatic formality. The two leaders shared a warm rapport, bonding over mutual respect for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and engaging in informal activities such as watching the World Series and dining together. Despite the cordial atmosphere, the visit yielded limited concrete progress on contentious trade issues, with agreements signed mainly emphasizing ongoing cooperation and a "new golden age" of alliance, including expanding rare earth metal supply chains. Trump also announced missile approvals for Japan's defense and highlighted Toyota's $10 billion investment in U.S. plants, though major trade deal specifics, especially Japan's $550 billion investment commitment, remain unresolved. Overall, the visit reaffirmed the U.S.-Japan alliance amid shifting global dynamics but left key economic negotiations open.