'Very close friends': Japan's new PM and Trump bond over Abe legacy

Both leaders build quick rapport, herald 'new golden age' for US-Japan alliance

- Walter Sim Japan Correspondent

The legacy of slain political giant Shinzo Abe loomed large as US President Donald Trump, visiting Japan for the first time in six years, fondly reminisced about the former leader with current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

“He was a great friend of mine and a great friend of yours,” Mr Trump told Ms Takaichi early on Oct 28. Over hours spent together, they built a quick rapport as they heralded a “new golden age” for the US-Japan alliance.

It is no exaggeration to say that Mr Abe assassinated in 2022 with a homemade gun by a lone assailant, whose trial coincidentally began on Oct 28 laid the groundwork for a robust relationship, cemented by his strong friendship with Mr Trump and their shared conservative ideologies.

Ms Takaichi, just one week into the job, was Mr Abe’s protege and shares many of his policy convictions. The chemistry that defined the Abe-Trump era appears to have set a positive tone for bilateral ties, at least for now.

Significant commitments were made throughout the day.

Ms Takaichi pledged that Japan would boost defence spending and strengthen military capabilities, increase investments in the US, collaborate on shipbuilding, and work together to secure a steady supply of rare earths and critical minerals, including from off the easternmost island Minamitorishima.

They also signed a deal for a “new golden age” that, in essence, calls for the implementation of trade agreements struck by Ms Takaichi’s predecessor, Mr Shigeru Ishiba. These included a pledge for Japan to make strategic investments to the tune of US$550 billion (S$712 billion) by the time Mr Trump leaves office in January 2029. Ms Takaichi had previously criticised the agreement as “unfair”.