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Shaimaa Khalil
Tokyo correspondent

So far, one remark stands out. President Trump is affording Ms Takaichi a lot of good will.

“I want to just let you know – any time you have any question, any doubt, anything you want, any favors you need, anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there.”

It’s a critical moment for Japan and for its new PM Sanae Takaichi – a defining early test of leadership. In her first face-to-face meeting with President Trump, she described him as a partner in a new golden age and praised his role in Middle East peace.

President Trump praised Japan as “a great ally” and said he’ll be there to help Japan whenever needed. But he’s also pushing hard on trade and security, leaving Tokyo backed into a corner.

Trump wants more US access to Japan’s markets – especially in cars, agriculture, and technology. He’s pressing Japan to buy more American rice and soybeans, and to open its market to US vehicles.

Tokyo, heavily reliant on exports, can’t afford a tariff fight – especially when it comes to its auto industry.
But Takaichi also needs to protect domestic industries and doesn’t want to anger crucial interest groups like the powerful farming lobby.

For now, the tone is friendly. But there’s real pressure on Tokyo to deliver on agreements with little room to manoeuvre.