President Donald Trump met with the Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House on Thursday.
Takaichi showed from the outset just how close that relationship is when, instead of doing a traditional handshake greeting upon arriving, she instead rushed enthusiastically to hug Trump.
President Trump welcomes the Prime Minister of Japan to the White House 🇺🇸🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/YSisyAedxt
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) March 19, 2026
That’s unusual, particularly for a Japanese leader, and a good sign of the strength they already have in the relationship. One of the reasons they are so simpatico is that they both had a great deal of affection for the late Japanese leader Shinzo Abe.
They had a press opportunity earlier in the day that set social media going because Trump made a joke about keeping the information about the strike on Iran secret when asked by a Japanese reporter.
Q: “Why didn’t you tell U.S. allies…about the war before attacking Iran?”
President Trump: “We wanted surprise. Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” pic.twitter.com/esV9iyvMiV
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 19, 2026
Some loved it, others seemed to think it wasn’t good form. The media, of course, was all over it, with many on the left losing their minds.
But Takaichi didn’t appear to take it negatively. If anything, her attitude toward Trump was very warm. Of course, the media will ignore the friendship and the things they are achieving together.
🔥Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae: “I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world. To do so, I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community to achieve our objective together.”
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 19, 2026
Japan is supportive of the Strait of Hormuz coalition and was one of the nations that signed the allies’ statement, as RedState reported earlier.
READ MORE: Trump Pressure Prevails: Allies Flip, Issue Statement on Strait of Hormuz
Because of laws in place since World War 2, Japan is limited in terms of what help it can provide. But she made it clear they would do what they could, like a real ally. She also said that, among other things, they talked about ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait and ensuring a stable supply of energy. She looked forward to “close interactions with President Trump, aiming for even greater heights in the Japan-U.S. alliance.”
Takaichi complimented Trump on his son, Barron, because it was his birthday, likely a good move with any proud father. She’s so sweet.
Japanese PM @takaichi_sanae: “Tomorrow is the birthday of your son, Mr. Barron Trump, and I know he has grown up so much, into a very tall, good looking gentleman. As I see you, Donald, it is very clear where he got it… please convey my sincere happy birthday wishes to him.”❤️ pic.twitter.com/T6Nha38WIu
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 19, 2026
“Tomorrow is the birthday of your son, Mr. Barron Trump, and I know he has grown up so much, into a very tall, good-looking gentleman,” she said as everyone laughed. “As I see you, Donald, it is very clear where he got it. From his parents, there is no doubt about it…Please convey my sincere happy birthday wishes to him.”
She then explained how they were “best buddies” to realize their shared goal of a “stronger Japan and a stronger America; a more prosperous Japan and a more prosperous America.”
.@takaichi_sanae: “Late PM Shinzo Abe — who was Donald’s dear friend and my dear friend, too — eloquently said one phrase here in Washington, D.C. upon his visit. And as I stand here today, I would like to repeat what he said with greater pride and confidence: JAPAN IS BACK!” ❤️ https://t.co/zFMjQALgVg pic.twitter.com/kxNImRU75J
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 19, 2026
“Late PM Shinzo Abe — who was Donald’s dear friend and my dear friend, too — eloquently said one phrase here in Washington, D.C. upon his visit. And as I stand here today, I would like to repeat what he said with greater pride and confidence: JAPAN IS BACK!”
How can you argue with that! She’s a force of nature and a great ally to have.
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