Key facts
- Japan and the US signed documents on bilateral agreement and critical minerals cooperation.
- Japan pledged $550 billion to a strategic investment fund.
- Takaichi will announce additional projects worth an estimated $100 billion.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with US President Donald Trump for their first in-person summit, aiming to strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance. The leaders confirmed enhanced deterrence and response capabilities, and cooperation with like-minded partners, including the Quad. Takaichi conveyed Japan's commitment to reinforcing defense capabilities and increasing defense spending, aligning with the White House's priorities on allied burden-sharing. They also affirmed strengthening economic security cooperation in critical minerals, rare earths, AI, and advanced technologies, signing documents related to their bilateral agreement and critical minerals.
Japan has pledged $550 billion to a strategic investment fund and is expected to announce additional projects worth an estimated $100 billion. The fiscal year 2026 budget includes a record $58 billion in defense spending, and a bill to establish a National Intelligence Agency was approved. Discussions also covered the Middle East and Ukraine, with Japan expressing its continued support for US peace efforts. Takaichi requested and received President Trump's full support on the abductions issue committed by North Korea, and they reaffirmed their commitment to the country's denuclearization.