TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been re-appointed by Parliament following her party’s decisive election victory and is now focusing on strengthening cooperation with the United States, particularly on rare earths development and broader economic security issues ahead of a planned visit to Washington next month.
Speaking at a news conference, Takaichi emphasized deepening ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and expanding collaboration in sectors crucial to both nations’ economic and strategic interests. Rare earth elements — vital for advanced electronics, defense systems and clean energy technologies — are a priority area for joint efforts, especially as both countries seek to reduce reliance on China’s dominant supply chain.
Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October and now leads a government with a commanding parliamentary majority, also highlighted economic security cooperation more broadly, reflecting shared concerns about global supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Her second term comes as Tokyo and Washington look to build on recent agreements on critical minerals and other economic initiatives signed during Trump’s visit to Japan last year, aimed at reinforcing the U.S.–Japan alliance and diversifying key industrial partnerships.
News as reported
