Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is actively pursuing a meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, planning a possible stopover in the United States following the upcoming G20 summit in Brazil, according to four individuals with knowledge of the arrangement. The diplomatic push underscores Japan’s intent to establish early and effective communication with Trump, who could significantly impact Japan’s security and economic strategies, particularly in light of his past emphasis on America-first policies.
The anticipated meeting would echo a similar move by late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who, in 2016, became the first foreign leader to meet with Trump following his initial election victory. Abe’s relationship with Trump, which became a keystone of Japan-U.S. relations, allowed both nations to address potential points of conflict, such as trade imbalances and defense cost-sharing. Now, with Trump poised to return to the White House, Japan is taking swift steps to reengage and fortify this critical alliance.
According to three anonymous sources, Japan is working to finalize a meeting with Trump directly after the G20 summit, scheduled for November 18-19 in Brazil. A fourth source suggested that Ishiba’s visit could occur around this date if scheduling adjustments are required. This meeting, if confirmed, would be Ishiba’s first face-to-face engagement with Trump since taking office last month.
Ishiba confirmed his intentions publicly following a brief five-minute phone conversation with Trump on the morning of November 7. While details of their conversation were limited, Ishiba expressed optimism, remarking, “I felt that he was very friendly. So from now on, I have the impression that we can talk frankly, without embellishment.”
Trump’s office has yet to comment on whether a meeting is feasible or scheduled, but Japanese officials are reportedly pushing to finalize the arrangement in light of the pressing strategic interests at stake. The U.S.-Japan relationship, solidified over decades of mutual security commitments and economic interdependence, stands at a crossroads as Trump’s impending administration raises questions about possible policy shifts.
A major driver behind Ishiba’s expedited plans to meet Trump is the potential resurgence of Trump’s protectionist trade agenda, which characterized his previous term. During his first tenure, Trump’s administration imposed tariffs on Japanese steel and aluminum imports, triggering a wave of concern within Japan’s export-driven economy. Additionally, Trump previously voiced the expectation that Japan would contribute more financially toward the stationing of U.S. military forces within its borders.
Japanese officials are reportedly concerned that Trump’s administration might reintroduce these demands, placing further financial pressure on Tokyo. Ahead of his anticipated meeting with Trump, Ishiba was asked by reporters about defense cost-sharing. While he confirmed that this topic was not covered in their initial phone call, he emphasized a broader approach: “Rather than focus on monetary amounts, we would like to vigorously discuss the strengthening of the Japan-U.S. alliance from various perspectives.”
With Trump’s America-first stance likely to influence his policy agenda, Japan is preparing for a scenario in which it may be required to reassess its contributions toward the U.S.-Japan security partnership. Japan currently hosts 54,000 U.S. military personnel, largely concentrated in Okinawa, reflecting a significant strategic commitment by both nations.
Shinzo Abe’s meeting with Trump in 2016 set a precedent for Japan’s handling of U.S.-Japan relations under Trump’s leadership. Abe, who was assassinated in 2022, cultivated a personal rapport with Trump that allowed the two leaders to bridge potential divides. Their bond, which extended beyond formal meetings to include hours spent golfing, provided an avenue for Abe to address key points of tension discreetly, often mitigating disputes before they could escalate.
Observers note that Abe’s relationship with Trump smoothed over several challenges, including disagreements on trade and defense expenditures. This approach proved instrumental in maintaining the alliance’s stability during an era marked by volatile global politics. With this history in mind, Ishiba’s current strategy appears to follow a similar playbook, one aimed at establishing early rapport and direct channels of communication with Trump.
Political analysts suggest that Ishiba’s pursuit of a timely meeting reflects a pragmatic understanding of Trump’s leadership style, which values direct personal interactions. For Ishiba, establishing a good relationship with Trump could lay the groundwork for addressing key bilateral issues and potentially ease any protectionist pressures Japan may face in the coming years.
Beyond his outreach to Trump, Ishiba has focused on broadening Japan’s global engagement, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The rise of China’s influence has reinforced Japan’s strategic need to cultivate robust ties with the U.S., a central player in the Indo-Pacific security framework. Both nations have previously aligned on containing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, countering Chinese territorial assertions, and advocating for a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Ishiba’s proactive diplomatic agenda includes not only strengthening ties with the U.S. but also enhancing Japan’s role within multilateral organizations such as the G20 and the United Nations. By positioning Japan as a steadfast ally of the U.S. and a supporter of rules-based international order, Ishiba seeks to fortify Japan’s diplomatic standing and ensure its security amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The Japan-U.S. alliance, formalized in 1960, has historically been a linchpin for regional stability, with Japan acting as a key U.S. ally in Asia. Tokyo has increasingly looked to Washington for support, especially as regional security tensions intensify. With the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and North Korean peninsula each serving as potential flashpoints, Japan recognizes that a strong alliance with the U.S. is crucial for maintaining balance in the Indo-Pacific.
The economic ties between Japan and the United States extend far beyond defense considerations. Both nations rank as top foreign investors in each other’s economies, with Japanese firms contributing to significant job creation across American industries. The U.S. likewise remains an important market for Japanese technology and automotive products, industries central to Japan’s economic health.
The Japan-U.S. trade relationship, however, has often been a source of contention, with Washington frequently urging Tokyo to reduce its trade surplus. While Abe’s administration managed to keep these disputes relatively controlled, there are concerns within Japan that Trump’s second term could revive demands for economic concessions from Japan.
Trump’s previous emphasis on bilateral trade deals, as opposed to multilateral frameworks, has heightened Japanese anxieties about potential new tariffs or restrictions. In the coming months, analysts expect Ishiba to prioritize negotiations that protect Japan’s access to U.S. markets while addressing any U.S. concerns about trade imbalances.
As Trump prepares to assume office, Japan’s government is closely watching for potential policy shifts that could impact the region. Trump’s prior efforts to renegotiate defense arrangements with allies signal the possibility that Japan may be asked to shoulder more of the financial burden for U.S. forces stationed on its territory. Japan’s current administration has indicated a willingness to discuss the financial aspects of this relationship, though they have stressed the importance of a balanced approach that also considers the strategic value of U.S. forces to regional stability.
Additionally, Japan faces a delicate balancing act in its relations with China. While maintaining its alliance with the U.S., Japan has simultaneously pursued economic ties with Beijing. This dual strategy reflects Japan’s recognition of China’s economic influence, even as it remains cautious of Chinese assertiveness in regional matters. Ishiba’s administration is expected to continue this nuanced approach, engaging with both China and the U.S. to maintain a stable regional environment.
