President Donald Trump arrived in Japan on Monday, where new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is hoping to build a friendly personal relationship with the U.S. leader to ease trade tensions. The meeting serves as an early diplomatic test for Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan. Having taken office just last week, she has a tenuous coalition backing her.
Trump spent Sunday in Malaysia, participating in a regional summit before heading to Tokyo.
**Trump Speaks to Reporters En Route to Tokyo**
On Air Force One, Trump returned to the press cabin accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. They took questions for about half an hour.
Trump said he would talk about the “great friendship” between the U.S. and Japan during his visit. “I hear phenomenal things” about the new Japanese prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, he said.
He also noted her close ties with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom Trump had a good relationship during his first term. “It’s going to be very good,” he added. “That really helps Japan and the United States.”
**Trade Remains Trump’s Focus in Asia**
Despite numerous security concerns in the region—such as access to the South China Sea and the future of Taiwan—Trump’s primary focus has been trade. His goal is to realign the international economy according to his “America First” vision.
This largely translates to tariffs, or at least the threat of them. Trump has frequently imposed taxes on imports from both allies and adversaries, seeking to boost domestic manufacturing or gain more favorable trading terms.
However, his unilateral authority to enact tariffs remains contested. Trump is awaiting a Supreme Court case that could either solidify or limit his power in this area.
**Trump’s Last Stop Was Malaysia**
President Trump flew to Tokyo from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he attended the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
He participated in a ceremonial signing of an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which had engaged in conflict earlier this year. Trump reportedly pressured both countries to stop fighting by threatening to withhold trade agreements.
Although attendance at the ASEAN summit is not guaranteed for any U.S. president, it provided Trump an opportunity to reengage with a critical region for the first time since returning to office.
Additionally, American and Chinese negotiators used the summit to advance trade talks. There is potential for an agreement later this week that could reduce tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
**Trump Congratulates Argentina’s Milei on Midterm Success**
While en route to Japan, Trump posted on Truth Social in support of Argentine President Javier Milei, whose party exceeded expectations in midterm elections.
“Doing a wonderful job,” Trump wrote. “Our confidence in him was justified by the People of Argentina.”
Milei—a libertarian who seeks to unlock free-market forces—has endeared himself to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, notably appearing this year at the Conservative Political Action Conference in the U.S.
The Trump administration previously provided a $20 billion credit swap line to bolster Milei ahead of the election and was preparing an additional $20 billion to support the value of Argentina’s peso.
**Japan Tightens Security Ahead of Trump’s Arrival**
Tokyo’s metropolitan police intensified security measures ahead of President Trump’s arrival.
A special task force was set up, mobilizing approximately 18,000 officers. At Haneda Airport, where Trump landed, all lockers and garbage bins were closed or removed as a precaution.
In downtown Tokyo, vehicles were thoroughly inspected, and police dogs were stationed near the U.S. Embassy, where riot police were also deployed.
One man was arrested for allegedly carrying knives outside the embassy.
**Trump Departs Malaysia for Japan**
After his time in Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN summit, Trump boarded Air Force One bound for Japan.
He did not speak to reporters gathered as he walked the red carpet and was greeted by traditional dancers before boarding the plane.
Nevertheless, the president described Malaysia as a “very vibrant” nation in a post on his social media site. He highlighted the ceasefire agreement signed between Thailand and Cambodia, as well as trade frameworks that were discussed during his meetings with regional leaders.
“Now, off to Japan!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, looking ahead to the next phase of his Asia tour.
https://wtop.com/national/2025/10/the-latest-trump-set-to-arrive-in-japan-where-hell-meet-new-prime-minister-takaichi/