Trump Hails ‘Golden Age’ With Japan as PM Takaichi Nominates Him for Nobel Peace Prize

Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo wrapped up with rare earth deals, warm tributes, and a surprise Nobel Peace Prize nomination from Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi.

The former U.S. president was treated to a lavish state welcome at Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace, complete with a military guard of honour and gold-lined halls—an atmosphere that mirrored Trump’s signature taste for grandeur.

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, praised Trump as a “partner in a new golden era,” reaffirming her commitment to deepen U.S.-Japan ties. The two leaders signed a rare earth minerals deal and pledged to build what they called a “new golden age” of cooperation, extending earlier agreements including the recently reduced 15% tariffs.

During their meeting, Trump congratulated Takaichi on her historic rise to leadership, expressing that the U.S. would be there for “anything you want, any favours you need, anything… to help Japan.”

The symbolism didn’t end there. Over lunch—featuring “American rice and beef made with Japanese ingredients”—Trump applauded Tokyo’s growing investments in the U.S., citing Toyota’s $10 billion plan to expand manufacturing plants across America.

Later, aboard the USS George Washington, the two leaders addressed thousands of cheering American troops. Takaichi called the U.S.-Japan partnership “the greatest alliance in the world” and vowed to increase defence spending—a promise that echoed Trump’s earlier criticism of Japan’s “one-sided” security treaty.

Trump, who has previously voiced frustration over Japan’s military contributions, lauded Takaichi’s resolve, describing her as “a close friend” and Japan as a “beautiful friendship born out of the ashes of a terrible war.”

He also announced the approval of long-awaited U.S. missile deliveries for Japan’s F-35 fighter jets, due later this week.

In a diplomatic gesture, Takaichi gifted Trump a collection of golf memorabilia, including a signed bag from Japanese golf champion Hideki Matsuyama and a putter used by the late Shinzo Abe—Trump’s longtime ally.

Behind the pageantry, analysts say Takaichi faces a delicate balancing act—strengthening ties with Washington while preserving Japan’s vital trade relationship with China.

“Prime Minister Takaichi must walk a very fine line,” noted Rintaro Nishimura of the Asia Group. “She’ll need to reassure Trump that Japan remains America’s strongest ally, while managing the realities of its economic interdependence with Beijing.”

Trump leaves Tokyo on Wednesday for Seoul, where he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the week as his Asia tour continues.