TOKYO, Feb 6 – U.S. President Donald Trump threw his support behind Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday, offering what he called his “full endorsement” days before voters head to the polls in a national election that could reshape Tokyo’s economic and security agenda.
Takaichi, Japan’s first woman to lead the country and a conservative who has openly cited Britain’s Margaret Thatcher as a role model, is widely expected to secure a comfortable victory as shown by opinion surveys. Trump praised Takaichi and her alliance in a post on his Truth Social platform and called her leadership worthy of “strong recognition” and saying he looked forward to welcoming her to Washington next month. Political analysts said Trump’s backing fits a broader pattern of the U.S. president publicly aligning himself with right-leaning leaders abroad.
“Even though she’s already favoured to win, Trump’s support still matters in Japan,” said Asuka Tatebayashi. “For businesses, it signals stability in U.S.-Japan ties. Soon after becoming prime minister in October, Takaichi hosted Trump in Tokyo, presenting him with a golf putter once owned by former leader Shinzo Abe. Sources say Trump later urged her privately to avoid escalating matters further.
A strong election result could give Takaichi greater leverage in dealing with China though officials warn Beijing is very unlikely to soften its stance. Her defence expansion plans have also drawn criticism from China which actually accuses Tokyo of reviving militarist policies.
Source: Reuters
Takaichi’s proposal to suspend food sales taxes to ease living costs has fuelled concerns over Japan’s already heavy debt burden. Investors have pulled back from government bonds and the yen has come under pressure. Still now the analysts say a decisive win for the long-ruling LDP could prove the least disruptive outcome for markets. Turnout among younger voters and heavy snowfall in parts of the country could influence Sunday’s result. Takaichi has said she would step down if her coalition fails to hold its majority.