Japanese Foreign Minister to Attend Trump Inauguration

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will attend the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, marking the first time a Japanese cabinet member has participated in such an event. Iwaya aims to lay the groundwork for a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Trump, with discussions planned around Japan-U.S. relations and economic cooperation. He is also expected to meet with Senator Marco Rubio, Trump's nominee for secretary of state. Japan's attendance at the inauguration signifies its intent to strengthen diplomatic ties with the incoming administration. Meanwhile, Iwaya's visit to the U.S. will be his first since assuming office and comes as Japan seeks to reaffirm its alliance with the U.S. amidst regional tensions with China. The Japanese government is also coordinating a Japan-U.S. summit in February, further emphasizing the importance of this diplomatic engagement.