On Tuesday, October 28th, President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takai met in Tokyo, announcing that the US-Japan alliance has entered a “new golden era”. Takai presented a special gift to Trump, while the widow of the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also gave Trump a special gift.
The successful visit of Trump to Japan highlights the meticulous preparations made by Sanae Takai in every aspect. The friendship between Trump and Abe has brought the United States and Japan closer in their alliance. Sanae Takai, being a proud student of Abe, made Trump happy that Takai could become the Prime Minister and lead Japan towards greatness.
Takai presented a golf club that was once used by Shinzo Abe to Trump, knowing his love for golf. Trump values his friendship with Abe and has been regularly checking up on Abe’s widow since Abe’s assassination.
The golf club is displayed in a glass showcase alongside a gold leaf golf ball and a golf bag signed by Japanese golf star Hideki Matsuyama.
During Trump’s first term, Abe’s golf diplomacy played a significant role in strengthening the relationship between the two allies. Abe arranged for Matsuyama to welcome Trump at a renowned Japanese golf course during Trump’s visit to Japan.
Trump and Takai both signed two baseball caps bearing golden letters “JAPAN IS BACK”, symbolizing the strong partnership between the US and Japan. The slogan was first used by Abe, and Takai continued to use it during her campaign as Japan’s leader.
Many people on social media have compared the photos of these two caps with the ones Trump wore during his visit to Japan in 2017 and the ones signed by Abe and Trump at the golf course.
The caps signed by Trump and Abe read, “Donald and Shinzo: Making the Alliance Stronger”, imitating Trump’s campaign slogans to show the warmth towards Japan.
During his visit to Japan, President Trump also met with Abe’s widow, Akie Abe, and received a beautiful artwork created by her with the word “PEACE” inscribed in golden letters.
Prime Minister Sanae Takai informed Trump that she would nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his diplomatic efforts in maintaining world peace.
During Trump’s visit, Takai also announced that in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States next year and to push US-Japan relations into a new “golden era”, Japan will gift 250 cherry blossom trees to Washington D.C. and fireworks for the celebration on July 4th.
On Tuesday, when Trump entered the grand Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, he exchanged greetings and took photos with Takai, leading to discussions about Abe.
“He was a dear friend to both of us,” Trump said while shaking hands.
Following a ceremonial welcome, Takai began her meeting with Trump by expressing gratitude for Trump’s and Abe’s “long-standing friendship” and thanked Trump for hosting Abe’s widow, Akie Abe, at Mar-a-Lago shortly after his victory in the US election last year.
Takai carefully chose her interpreter for Trump, with Naoki Takao translating their dialogues into English. Takao, who previously worked as Abe’s interpreter, was jokingly referred to as “Little Prime Minister” by Trump.
Analysts mention that as a student of Shinzo Abe, Sanae Takai aspires to reestablish the close connection to strengthen her minority government and address challenging issues like defense spending.
Masahiko Shibayama, a Japanese lawmaker who served as Abe’s assistant during Trump’s first term, noted the significance of the close relationships between Takai, Trump, and Abe.
Mark Davidson, former US diplomat to Japan and current political science professor at Temple University in Tokyo, stated that Takai’s association with Abe is a wise move.
“He (Trump) had a very close, warm, and trusting relationship with Prime Minister Abe. I believe Prime Minister Takai’s close ties with the late Prime Minister Abe have laid the foundation for her successful relationship with Trump,” Davidson said.