Trump Endorses Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Before Election
As Japan heads into a pivotal national election, the campaign has taken on a distinctly international dimension. With markets unsettled, voters divided, and regional tensions simmering, the outcome is being closely watched not only in Tokyo but also in US, China, and global financial centers.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly offered his “complete and total endorsement” of Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi. He praised her leadership just days before the voters’ head to the polls. Trump also confirmed that he is planning to host Takaichi at the White House on March 19. This announcement underscored the importance that Trump’s administration places on the alliance between the two countries.
Opinion polls suggested that Takaichi, who is Japan’s first female prime minister, is on course for a decisive victory. Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), together with its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), is projected to secure around 300 seats in the 465-member lower house. These projections represent a significant increase from their current narrow majority.
Trump’s Backing Underscores Deepening U.S.-Japan Ties
In a Truth Social Post, Trump said, “Prime Minister Takaichi is someone who deserves powerful recognition for the job she and her Coalition are doing”. “It was his honor to give a Complete and Total Endorsement of her, and what her highly respected Coalition is representing”, he added.
The endorsement has built on an already visible rapport between the two leaders. Shortly after taking office in October 2025, Takaichi hosted Trump in Tokyo, where she presented him with a golf putter. This golf putter was once used by the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe. During that visit, Takaichi also pledged for billions of dollars in investment. Upon this pledge, analysts said that this move reinforced the strength of the Japan-U.S. partnership.
However, Trump’s support has not been without limits. According to the source, he later urged Takaichi in a private call to not to further inflame tensions with China. US is seeking to preserve a fragile trade truce with Beijing.
Investor Jitters Loom Over Takaichi’s Economic Agenda
While political momentum appears strong, Takaichi’s economic agenda has unsettled investors. In particular, she proposes to suspend Japan’s 8% sales tax on food, which is designed to help households cope with rising costs. It has raised concerns about fiscal sustainability in an economy that already carries the world’s heaviest debt burden.
In recent weeks, investors have pulled back from Japanese government bonds, and the yen has weakened sharply. Analysts estimated that the tax suspension could reduce annual revenue by about 5 trillion yen, i.e., $30 billion. Even so, market watchers noted that rival parties are promising even larger tax cuts and spending increases. As a result, a clear LDP victory may still be viewed as the least disruptive outcome for the financial markets.
Geopolitical Tension between Japan and China
Meanwhile, Takaichi’s plans to strengthen Japan’s defenses have heightened friction with China. She previously outlined how Tokyo might respond to a Chinese attack on Taiwan. It triggered the most serious diplomatic dispute between the two countries in over a decade. Beijing has accused its government of reviving Japan’s past militarism. It was the allegation that Tokyo strongly rejected.
Despite these pressures, Takaichi’s approval ratings was remained high. She has even become a cultural phenomenon. Her supporters have been buying replicas of her handbag and pink pen. If the polls prove wrong and her coalition loses its majority, Takaichi has said she will step down. For now, however, analysts said that a strong win would give her greater authority at home and abroad.
Web Resources on the Trump backing to Sanae Takaichi
1. FinancialTimes.com: Donald Trump endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi ahead of general election
2. BBC.com: Trump endorses Japan’s Takaichi ahead of snap election
3. Investing.com: Trump endorses Japan’s Takaichi ahead of Sunday election
4. AcademicBlock.com: China-Japan Tourism Plummets Amid Taiwan Tensions