Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s widow, Akie Abe, has returned to Japan after meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his wife at the Mar-a-Lago resort. The meeting took place on December 17th, and the Japanese public has expressed gratitude towards Mrs. Abe for her actions, with many leaving messages online.
The bond between Trump and Abe runs deep. Reportedly, after Trump won the presidential election on November 8, 2016, Abe visited Trump Tower in New York on the 17th of the same month, becoming the first foreign leader to meet with Trump, laying a solid foundation for Japan-U.S. relations. Despite Abe’s assassination on July 8, 2022, Trump has maintained a close relationship with Akie Abe, with this recent meeting being arranged through direct communication between the two, bypassing official government channels.
On December 16 in Japan time, the Trumps invited Akie Abe to dinner at their Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump stated, “Mrs. Abe is very close to my wife, Melania. She greatly admires Melania’s book. Shinzo and I share a close bond; he was a remarkable person. Mrs. Abe asked if she could have dinner with me, and out of respect for Shinzo, I accepted.”
After the meeting, Melania Trump shared a photo of the three of them on social media, expressing fond memories of Shinzo Abe and praising his outstanding achievements.
Additionally, during a meeting with Akie Abe at his home, Trump sent a gift through her to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. In a press conference held at 2 a.m. on December 17 in Florida after the presidential election, Trump mentioned wanting to meet with Prime Minister Kishida. He conveyed that he had sent books and other items to Kishida through Akie Abe and expressed his willingness to meet the Prime Minister before the inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025.
Around 9 p.m. on December 17, Akie Abe arrived at Haneda Airport in Japan, concluding her private visit to the United States.
Akie Abe’s visit to the U.S. mainly stemmed from Trump’s brief five-minute call with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida post his victory, which was shorter compared to calls with other world leaders. Kishida’s sought-after meeting with Trump did not materialize.
Upon returning to Japan, Akie Abe posted on X platform, stating, “I thought it might be difficult to meet the Trumps after the presidential inauguration, so I asked if I could meet them to convey gratitude and best wishes. They then invited me to dinner. I am deeply grateful for their invitation and believe my late husband would have been pleased to converse with these two warm-hearted individuals. Thank you very much!”
Regarding the meeting between Akie Abe and the Trumps, Foreign Minister Tsuyoshi Iwaya expressed to the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, “Akie Abe plays a very important role in Japan-U.S. relations on a personal level. This is highly beneficial and welcome for the rejuvenation of Japan-U.S. ties, be it openly, privately, or on a personal level, enhancing the relationship in various ways is very positive.”
Former Ambassador to Australia and foreign policy commentator Shingo Yamagami highly praised the meeting between Trump and Akie Abe, stating, “Japanese Prime Ministers who have built a solid trust relationship with the U.S. President like Mr. Abe are rare. This invitation is a beautiful result of the relentless efforts of Abe and Trump couples.”
Masahiro Iwao, acting director of the Asahi Shimbun Nagoya Reporting Center, mentioned how eight years ago, when Trump first won the U.S. presidential election, the Abe administration focused on building a relationship with him. Former Prime Minister Abe met Trump shortly after his first election win in New York.
Teshika Wara, who works in the media, shared with the Epoch Times, “I believe many Japanese are grateful to Akie Abe for creating an opportunity to improve Japan’s situation. If Prime Minister Kishida can establish a cooperative relationship with Akie Abe, it would be a great achievement. From now on, everyone will be keeping an eye on Mr. Kishida’s moves. Whether he can let go of his personal interests or remains the same. I believe God is also watching.”
A business owner in Osaka, Osugi, told the Epoch Times, “This situation is indescribable. Some say they should inform the Foreign Ministry, but the relationship between Trump and Akie Abe is very intimate, and both Trump and Akie Abe are now ordinary people. Their personal bond is close, and no one has the right to criticize.”
Many individuals took to social media to express gratitude towards Akie Abe:
“Thank you for your hard work in visiting the U.S., Akie Abe’s personality and vitality have helped Japan, and Mr. Abe must be very pleased. Well done!”
“Welcome back, we are very satisfied with the thoughtfulness of the Trumps toward Mrs. Abe.”
“I am delighted that Mrs. Abe had a pleasant meeting with President Trump and First Lady Melania. The former Prime Minister Abe must be very happy. I saw your photo in Mrs. Melania’s post; I am glad to see you had a warm time. Thank you very much, and hope to see you again soon. Thank you for your hard work.”
“The lovely photo of the three of you at the dinner reflects the harmony and friendship during the banquet. This scene speaks volumes, with no politician able to replace Mr. Abe.”
“Welcome back, Mrs. Abe, I believe Shinzo Abe would be very pleased to see you. As a Japanese citizen, I am delighted that you will continue to interact with the Trumps as intimate friends.”
“I am so happy for Trump’s re-election, there is no warmer moment than this dinner, thanks for your friendship and the friendship between Japan and the U.S.”
“The care and respect that the Trumps showed towards Mrs. Abe are remarkable. They can take good care of the wife of Prime Minister Abe (he is still a prime minister in my eyes) and respond to Akie Abe very admirably. As the weather gets colder, please take care of your health.”
“Thank you very much for visiting the U.S. It is a great fortune for the Japanese people that you met with President-elect Trump at the dinner. It must have been tiring to travel long distances, please rest well.”
“I am pleased that you had a pleasant time with the Trumps, not only does it remind me of the great achievements of former Prime Minister Abe, but his achievements are still supporting this country. I don’t know when Trump will meet Prime Minister Kishida, but thank you for building a bridge between them.”