Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to visit the United States around March 20 for talks with President Donald Trump, diplomatic sources said on Sunday. The planned meeting is seen as an important step toward reaffirming the strong Japan–U.S. alliance ahead of President Trump’s anticipated visit to China.
Preparations are already underway for Takaichi’s first official visit to the U.S. since assuming office in October last year. According to sources, the final itinerary will likely be confirmed after Japan’s expected general election next month.
The Japanese government reportedly prefers March 20, which coincides with the start of a three-day weekend, as it would minimize disruption to deliberations in the Diet (Japan’s parliament).
During the talks, Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to coordinate closely with President Trump on China-related policies, especially as Trump is likely to hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April. Strengthening strategic alignment between Tokyo and Washington on regional security issues will be a key focus.
Economic cooperation is also expected to feature prominently on the agenda. Discussions may include Japanese investment in the United States and enhanced bilateral cooperation on securing critical mineral supply chains, which are increasingly vital for advanced technologies and national security.
Sources indicated that the two leaders could issue a joint statement following the meeting, underscoring shared commitments on security, economic partnership, and regional stability.
Prime Minister Takaichi and President Trump had agreed to work toward a meeting this spring during a phone conversation in early January. Their last face-to-face meeting took place in October, shortly before Takaichi assumed office.
If confirmed, the visit would mark a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at reinforcing the longstanding alliance between Japan and the United States amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.