Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan said on the 25th that she is coordinating her first visit to the United States for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in early 2026.
According to Jiji Press, Takaichi said at a lecture hosted by the Council on Domestic and Foreign Affairs in Tokyo that day, "I have conveyed that I want to meet President Trump as soon as possible, and we are coordinating." She added, "I think it will be a relatively early time in 2026."
Although Takaichi did not disclose a specific schedule for the U.S. visit, Jiji Press said the two sides are pushing to hold a Japan-U.S. summit in March 2026.
Since tensions between China and Japan have intensified after Takaichi suggested the possibility of involvement "in the event of a Taiwan contingency," there is a need to share Japan's position with President Trump before a U.S.-China summit. Trump is scheduled to visit China in April 2026 for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Takaichi also addressed China-Japan tensions during the lecture, saying, "Since taking office, we have consistently pursued a comprehensive 'strategic, mutually beneficial relationship' and have worked to build a constructive and stable relationship."
Takaichi went on to say, "We have not closed the door to various dialogues with China." Jiji Press said this reflects Takaichi's intention to find a breakthrough for talks between the leaders.