U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Japan on Monday to meet the country’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, who is hoping to establish a personal rapport with him to smooth over recent trade tensions. One surprising element of her diplomatic strategy may involve Japan purchasing a fleet of Ford F-150 trucks — a symbolic gesture of goodwill that could appeal to Trump’s preference for American-made products, though it may prove impractical given the narrow streets of Japanese cities.
Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, took office just a week ago and faces a fragile coalition at home. During a phone call with Trump while he was en route to Asia, she emphasized her political roots as a protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a leader Trump admired deeply. She also praised Trump for his role in brokering the recent Gaza ceasefire. “I thought he is a very cheerful and fun person,” Takaichi said, adding that Trump told her he remembered her as a politician whom Abe “really cared about.”
Trump, clearly pleased by the talk of Ford trucks, told reporters aboard Air Force One, “She has good taste. That’s a hot truck.” The remark signaled his approval of Takaichi’s overture ahead of their first meeting in Tokyo, part of a broader effort to reset the U.S.–Japan trade relationship that Trump disrupted earlier this year by imposing new tariffs.
Japan’s government is seeking ways to balance Trump’s demand that allies buy more American goods and invest heavily in U.S. manufacturing, energy, and technology. The visit precedes Trump’s planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week in South Korea — a meeting that could redefine trade and security dynamics across Asia. Analysts say Trump may use his Tokyo visit to demonstrate the strength of U.S.–Japan ties ahead of his talks with Beijing.
In September, Japan pledged to invest $550 billion in the United States, prompting Trump to reduce a threatened 25% tariff on Japanese goods to 15%. Tokyo now hopes those investments will benefit Japanese firms involved in chipmaking and clean energy. Economy and Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said several Japanese companies are already preparing project proposals.
Meanwhile, Japanese officials are exploring the possibility of purchasing more American soybeans, natural gas, and vehicles. Trump has long complained that American automakers face unfair barriers in Japan, a market dominated by domestic brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Reports suggest Takaichi may arrange for Ford F-150 trucks to be displayed in Tokyo for Trump’s visit, possibly as part of a government fleet used for infrastructure inspections.
Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda may also announce plans to import U.S.-made Toyota vehicles back into Japan during a dinner with Trump and business leaders later this week — another symbolic move to reinforce trade goodwill.
Trump appeared enthusiastic about Takaichi’s leadership, calling her “a great friend of Mr. Abe, who was a great man.” He will meet Emperor Naruhito, hold talks with Takaichi, and deliver a speech aboard the U.S.S. George Washington aircraft carrier before traveling to South Korea.
However, analysts caution that Takaichi’s close identification with Abe’s legacy could be a double-edged sword. “Because it’s Takaichi’s first diplomatic engagement, she wants to start with a bang,” said Rintaro Nishimura of The Asia Group. “But leaning too heavily on the Abe line might not help her build her own distinct leadership profile.”
Trump, meanwhile, hinted that his Asia tour could include another historic encounter. “If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea,” he said, referring to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.”
