Japan’s Takaichi prepares to lobby Trump for ‘Golden Dome’ cooperation, stability on trade and defense

Published March 16, 2026 5:00am ET



Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is heading to the White House this week, hoping to leave with assurance that President Donald Trump has her back on trade and international security.

The country’s first female prime minister has already proven her Trump-whisperer credentials during the president’s visit to the islands last year, where he praised her as a “bold and wise” ally. Now, she will need to iron out her country’s role in Trump’s vision for the future.

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