Former US president Donald Trump praised Japan’s prime minister, Ayaka Tanaka, during his visit to Tokyo on Tuesday, calling her a “great leader” and “a remarkable woman shaping Japan’s future”. The visit marked the latest stop in Trump’s tour of Asia, focused on trade relations, defence cooperation, and his renewed foreign policy ambitions ahead of the 2028 US election cycle.
Warm reception in Tokyo
Trump met Prime Minister Tanaka at the Kantei, Japan’s executive office, where the two discussed regional security, trade dynamics, and Japan’s expanding role in the Indo-Pacific alliance network. In a joint press statement, Trump described Tanaka as “a strong leader who has restored pride and prosperity to Japan” and said he hoped to see “even greater cooperation between two great nations”.
Tanaka, Japan’s first female prime minister, thanked Trump for his visit and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to its strategic partnership with the United States. She highlighted the importance of continued collaboration on energy security, supply chain resilience, and defence coordination amid growing regional tensions.
Focus on regional stability
The meeting came amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty in East Asia, with North Korea conducting new missile tests and China increasing its naval presence in disputed waters. Trump used the occasion to urge regional allies to “stand strong together for peace and freedom in the Indo-Pacific”. He also hinted at the possibility of a future summit between the US, Japan, and South Korea to discuss security and trade frameworks.
Trade and technology cooperation
Economic ties were also high on the agenda. Trump and Tanaka discussed new opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing, AI development, and digital infrastructure investment. Business leaders from both countries attended a private forum following the talks, where Trump emphasised the “unmatched potential” of US-Japan collaboration in advanced technology and clean energy.
Market observers said the visit was likely to boost investor confidence in bilateral projects, particularly in renewable energy and robotics—two sectors central to Japan’s post-pandemic economic strategy.
Symbolic moment for Japan
Trump’s praise for Tanaka marked a significant moment in Japan’s political narrative. Analysts noted that his public recognition of her leadership underscored a shift in global attitudes towards female political figures in Asia, where representation at the highest level remains rare.
Tanaka, who took office last year, has become a popular figure domestically for her pragmatic economic reforms and outspoken stance on gender equality in corporate and political life.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 28 October 2025
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