Overview
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said arrangements are underway for a meeting with President Donald Trump in the United States in early 2026.
- Kyodo previously reported that Japan sounded out Washington on a possible late‑March visit, with the schedule dependent on Diet budget timing and U.S. availability.
- Tokyo seeks to exchange views with the United States and align positions before Takaichi's expected trip to China for talks with President Xi Jinping in April.
- Japan is likely to press economic‑security priorities such as diversifying rare‑earth supply chains, while the U.S. could seek specifics tied to a $550 billion investment package linked to a tariff deal.
- The diplomatic push follows strained ties with Beijing after Takaichi's parliamentary remarks suggesting a Taiwan conflict could pose an existential threat to Japan.