U.S. President Donald Trump held a summit with Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House on the 19th. Trump personally went outside to greet Takaichi, and as soon as she stepped out of the car, Takaichi threw her arms around Trump and asked how he was. The two leaders' talks proceeded from the start in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
In his opening remarks, Trump referenced Japan's House of Representatives election last month, which ended in a landslide victory for the ruling party, and emphasized that he had publicly endorsed Takaichi ahead of the vote. He said, "I supported her (Takaichi) because I think she is a very excellent person, and that was something I was very proud of and honored by." He also said of Takaichi that she is "a very popular and strong woman," adding, "We have a very good relationship."
Takaichi addressed Trump as "Donald," praising him by saying, "I firmly believe only you can achieve world peace." During the meeting, she gestured as if an interpreter (English→Japanese) was unnecessary, to which Trump said, "I'm really glad you understood what I said," adding, "I haven't learned your language yet, but when I come next time, I'll be able to speak your language (Japanese) perfectly."
There was also a tense moment during the talks. Near the end, Trump took a question from a Japanese reporter asking, "Why didn't you notify Asian and European allies like Japan in advance about the plan to strike Iran?" He replied, "We didn't want to send too many signals. We wanted a surprise, so we didn't tell anyone."
He continued, "Who knows better than Japan about a surprise attack? Why didn't you tell me in advance about Pearl Harbor (the attack)?" It was a joke likening the effect of surprise, referring to the December 1941 surprise attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii that killed more than 2,400 Americans. Trump said, "Thanks to the surprise (against Iran), we were able to neutralize more than 50% of their capabilities in the first two days, far more than expected," adding, "If you tell everyone, it's no longer a surprise."