The meeting with Trump was seen as a critical early test for Takaichi, who was elected as prime minister by Japanese lawmakers earlier this month.
Both countries have long been allies, but navigating a relationship with a fickle Trump, who has in the past appeared to waver in his commitment to Japan, lies at the core of the country’s foreign policy.
On Wednesday, Takaichi described Trump as a “partner in a new golden era”, and praised his role in bringing peace to the Middle East. She announced that Japan would be nominating him for the Nobel peace prize.
She also presented Trump with a collection of golf-related gifts, according to Trump’s assistant Margo Martin.
These included a golf bag signed by Hideki Matsuyama, the first male Japanese golfer to win a major golf championship, as well as a putter used by Abe. They also signed two caps printed with the words: Japan is back.
In turn, Trump described her as a “close friend” and described the US alliance with Japan as a “beautiful friendship” that was “born out of the ashes of a terrible war”. He also announced he had approved the first delivery of long-awaited US missiles for F-35 fighter jets to Japan, which would take place this week.
Pleasantries have set a positive tone to the meetings so far, but behind the smiles and the pagentary, there is real pressure on Japan.
During the working lunch, Takaichi presented Trump with a map showing the investments that Japanese companies have made in the US. And during his speech on the USS George Washington, Trump said Takaichi had told him earlier about plans for Toyota to put $10bn (£7.5bn) into building plants “all over” the US.
But Trump also wants more access to Japan’s markets – not just getting them to buy more rice, but also soybeans, and to open its market to US vehicles.
