U.S. PRESIDENT TRUMP ENDORSES TAKAICHI, SIGNALS STRONG JAPAN TIES

U.S. President Donald Trump has given his “complete and total endorsement” to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of Sunday’s national election, signalling strong support for her leadership and her ruling coalition.

Trump announced the endorsement on his Truth Social platform on Thursday and said he looked forward to hosting Takaichi at the White House next month.

Japan’s first female prime minister, Takaichi, 64, is a conservative nationalist who has often cited Britain’s former leader Margaret Thatcher as an inspiration.

Opinion polls suggest Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), are on track to win about 300 seats in the 465-member lower house of parliament, strengthening their current slim majority.

She is seeking a fresh mandate for increased defence spending and economic measures aimed at cushioning households from rising prices.

Analysts say Trump’s backing could further boost Takaichi’s appeal, particularly among business leaders who see improved U.S.–Japan relations as a positive.

Japanese government spokesman Kei Sato declined to comment on the endorsement but confirmed that Trump invited Takaichi to Washington on March 19 to reaffirm the Japan–U.S. alliance.

Takaichi’s tougher stance on security and China has, however, heightened tensions with Beijing, especially after she outlined how Japan might respond to a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Her economic plans, including a proposed suspension of sales tax on food, have also unsettled financial markets, triggering a sell-off in government bonds and pressure on the yen.

Despite market jitters and diplomatic strains, Takaichi’s approval ratings remain high. She has said she would resign if her coalition fails to retain a majority in Sunday’s vote.