Trump Japan Visit: Missile Tests, Minerals Pact, Award

New Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a high‑profile first summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo, showcasing efforts to revive Abe‑era ties and presenting personal mementos tied to the late Shinzo Abe while Trump also met Abe’s widow, Abe Akie. The two countries struck an agreement to cooperate on rare‑earth and other critical minerals and discussed bolstering Japan’s defense, with Trump approving initial missile deliveries to Japan’s Self‑Defense Forces. Trump met families of North Korean abduction victims, including Sakie Yokota, and pledged to push for their return. North Korea conducted sea‑to‑surface cruise‑missile tests during the Asia tour, and Trump signaled he remained open to meeting Kim Jong Un again. The trip featured high‑profile displays of allied resolve — including Trump receiving South Korea’s Grand Order of Mugunghwa and public appearances aboard the USS George Washington — as Takaichi sought to shore up her minority administration.