Former U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Japan for his first visit in six years. His last visit was in 2019. During this trip, Trump will meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss trade and investment deals.
Tight Security in Tokyo
According to media reports, around 18,000 police officers have been deployed in Tokyo for security. Roads on Trump’s route have been closed, and airspace has been restricted. This is Japan’s largest security operation since 2002, mainly due to recent attacks on former Japanese leaders.
In July 2022, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead, and in April 2023, then–Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was attacked with an explosive device during a speech.
Japan Promises Major Investment
Japan has already pledged to invest about ₹46 lakh crore (around $550 billion) in the United States. The final details of this investment will be confirmed during Trump’s visit.
Trump wants Japan to invest in sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, shipping, and energy, which he says will create more jobs in America and strengthen U.S.–Japan relations.
Protests in Tokyo
Not everyone is happy about Trump’s visit. At Shimbashi Station in Tokyo, protesters chanted “Trump, go home!” and displayed posters of Trump hung upside down. Many are angry about his policies and his return to global politics.
Trump and Takaichi Spoke Before the Visit
Two days before his arrival, Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi spoke on the phone for about 10 minutes. Both leaders agreed to deepen the U.S.–Japan alliance.
Takaichi later wrote on Instagram:
“I had a good conversation with President Trump. Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to working with him to strengthen our partnership.”
She also asked Trump for help with the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea and discussed the situation in West Asia.
Trump has previously praised Takaichi, calling her “smart and strong.” However, her political party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), does not have a majority in parliament, which could make it harder for her to cooperate with Trump on certain issues.
Trump Pushes Japan to Increase Defense Spending
Trump wants Japan to spend more on its own defense. On Friday, Takaichi announced that Japan would raise its defense budget to 2% of GDP, marking a major change in its post-war security policy.
She did not give many details about trade but said Japan would try to reduce the impact of U.S. tariffs. Under an earlier deal signed in July, Japan agreed to pay 15% tariffs and invest $550 billion in the U.S. Takaichi said she would review the terms carefully.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss Japan’s gas imports from Russia. The U.S. has asked Japan to stop buying Russian gas, but Japan has refused, saying it is in its national interest.
Takaichi, often described as a student of Shinzo Abe, may benefit from Abe’s previously strong relationship with Trump.
Trump to Meet Xi Jinping in South Korea
After Japan, Trump will travel to South Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. There, he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss ending the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China.
The proposed deal may include China buying more American soybeans, lifting restrictions on rare earth minerals, and controlling exports of fentanyl ingredients.
The U.S. imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese goods in February 2025, which later increased to 145% by April. Trump hopes this new deal will boost his image as a “great dealmaker.”
Before Trump’s arrival, top U.S. and Chinese officials met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to prepare for possible progress at the APEC summit. The goal is to reduce trade tensions and set up a meeting between Trump and Xi.
Trump recently threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1 and tighten trade rules after China restricted exports of key minerals and magnets.
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