Daryna KukharJapan is a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific region, and despite the fact that Tokyo has not yet revised its core security documents and is not currently participating in military assistance to Washington, Donald Trump appears to be highly favorable toward the new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. Their most recent meeting in March this year demonstrated quite successful diplomacy by the new administration.
Key Findings:
- Despite Japan’s concerns about a possible deterioration in relations with the United States due to Tokyo’s reluctance to participate in a maritime operation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Japanese side evaluates the meeting with Trump as successful.
- This is due to Japan positioning itself as a reliable ally for the United States (in contrast to NATO), the launch of new energy projects in both Japan and the United States, and increased domestic support for Takaichi.
- The participation of Japanese minesweepers in demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz is currently unlikely—but cannot be ruled out in the future, especially if a ceasefire is achieved.
Diplomatic Achievement 1 – Refusal to Participate in the Strait of Hormuz Operation
Before the start of the U.S. and Israeli operation against Iran, it was expected that Takaichi Trump would primarily discuss U.S. views on China policy and the situation around Taiwan. However, with the outbreak of war between the United States and Israel against Iran, the Japanese government became significantly concerned that Trump might request allied assistance in the Strait of Hormuz.
Concerns within Japan, especially in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, were that Takaichi would find herself in a difficult position, as the United States might demand the presence of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Strait. However, unexpectedly, Trump did not make specific demands on this issue during the meeting, which Japan assessed as a successful diplomatic outcome. Tokyo referred to constitutional constraints on the use of military force outside national territory.
Former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Shinsuke Sugiyama (杉山 晋輔) commented:
“The meeting took place after President Trump posted on social media expressing hope that several countries, including Japan, would send military vessels. It was a difficult situation, involving discussions about the legitimacy of the use of force under international law, but the fact that it concluded successfully is extremely important.”
Under current domestic legislation, the deployment of military forces is only possible after a ceasefire. On March 25, a Ministry of Defense official explained:
“Post-ceasefire demining is one possible option (for Japan’s contribution).”
In addition to domestic constraints, Japan also invokes international law—specifically, since the Strait of Hormuz is not considered international waters (but rather an international strait fully overlapped by the territorial waters of coastal states—Iran and Oman), military operations require the consent of those coastal states. Any deployment of Japanese forces under other conditions would require new legislation. At the same time, in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement, the likelihood of Japan dispatching vessels increases—an argument Tokyo likely used in negotiations with Trump. This appears, for now, to have satisfied the White House.
Diplomatic Achievement 2 – Trump’s Favorable Attitude
Another diplomatic achievement was the positive reception in the United States of Takaichi’s public statements—for example, that “only Donald Trump can bring peace and prosperity to the world.” She later had to clarify her remarks in parliament, responding to a question from Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker Shinichi Shiba:
“It is important for the United States to demonstrate leadership and play a constructive role in ensuring peace and prosperity for the international community, including the Middle East. Japan also supports this, and I conveyed this directly to the United States, particularly to President Trump, on this occasion.”
Takaichi later faced criticism from opposition parties for this statement. These parties largely emphasize the alleged illegality of U.S. strikes on Iran and accuse her of excessive softness toward Trump, arguing that such statements could encourage further use of force in the region.
Additionally, a video surfaced that was not included in her party’s official release on X. In it, Takaichi appears to laugh at an image of a pen placed where a portrait of former U.S. President Biden would normally hang in the White House. Constitutional Democratic Party senator Hiroyuki Konishi (小西 洋之) wrote on X:
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” and “Couldn’t she at least pretend not to notice?”
Other criticism included: “She is simply flattering Trump. This is not diplomacy.”
However, overall, Takaichi’s statement was perceived within Japan’s political circles as a “smart diplomatic move.” Professor Kazuhiro Maeshima (前嶋 和弘), an expert on contemporary U.S. political diplomacy, argued that her remarks were indeed a clever diplomatic maneuver.
Tsuneo Watanabe (渡部 恒雄), Senior Fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and an expert on U.S. politics, shares this view. He notes that Takaichi’s compliments toward Trump were strategically well-calculated. Trump feels isolated due to disagreements with Europe over Iran, and a positive message from Japan generated reciprocal goodwill. Trump also contrasts Japan with NATO countries, toward which he has accumulated frustration—making Japan appear as a more reliable partner.
Watanabe further argues that by demonstrating its indispensability to the United States in the Indo-Pacific, Japan reduces the likelihood that the U.S. and China will decide the region’s future while ignoring Tokyo’s interests. Following the meeting, Takaichi successfully conveyed this position to Trump, strengthening her credibility as a reliable U.S. partner.
Diplomatic Achievement 3 – Energy Security
During the talks, three documents related to the economy and economic security were prepared. For example, at a working lunch held as part of the meeting, executives from Japanese companies such as Toyota and SoftBank were present.
Japan presented what could be described as “gifts to the United States,” including joint development of next-generation small nuclear power plants and investments in natural gas power plants in Texas and Pennsylvania. Under the terms, the United States will receive the majority of investment returns.
These projects amount to approximately $73 billion and are part of a broader framework agreement worth about $550 billion. A key element is the joint development and deployment of next-generation Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), potentially accounting for up to $40 billion in investments.
Additionally, around $33 billion is planned for the construction and modernization of natural gas power plants in Texas and Pennsylvania, aimed at strengthening U.S. energy security and expanding domestic capacity.
Moreover, the negotiations resulted in an agreement on a project to store U.S. oil reserves in Japan. This is considered a major achievement by the Takaichi administration. One senior official stated:
“This was a 100% success,” and “Instead of focusing exclusively on the Middle East, we were able to deepen discussions on cooperation across a wide range of areas that Japan considers priorities.”
Diplomatic Achievement 4 – Strengthening Takaichi’s Position in Japanese Society
The meeting between Takaichi and Trump was positively received by Japanese society, further strengthening the Prime Minister’s political standing. Despite criticism from the opposition, her popularity among the public is rising.
Public opinion polls conducted by Nikkei and TV Tokyo from March 27 to 29, 2026, showed that approval for Takaichi’s cabinet reached 72%, up 3 percentage points from 69% in February 2026. This marks the first time since December 2025 that cabinet approval has returned to the 70% level.
The share of respondents who “do not support” the cabinet decreased to 23%, down 3 percentage points. The results of the Takaichi–Trump meeting were also positively evaluated by the public, with 65% expressing approval compared to 23% who did not.
Conclusion:
Japan is steadily strengthening its authority and position in the eyes of the Trump administration, both through economic projects and by emphasizing Tokyo’s importance as a key U.S. military ally in the region. The future participation of Japan Self-Defense Forces vessels in demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be ruled out.
At the same time, public support within the country for the new government provides the Takaichi cabinet with the opportunity to pursue defense reforms aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces, including the ability to conduct military operations beyond national territory.