Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, October 28, presenting gifts rich with symbolism from the late Shinzo Abe’s legacy — a gesture aimed at reviving a once-close alliance. According to Reuters, the meeting reflected efforts to strengthen Japan-US ties and bolster Takaichi’s new administration at home.
1 / 8A Gift Honouring Abe’s Legacy | Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi presented US President Donald Trump with a golf putter once used by Shinzo Abe, his close golfing partner and Japan’s longest-serving prime minister. The club was displayed alongside a gold-leaf ball and a signed golf bag by Japanese major winner Hideki Matsuyama. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 8Reviving a Trusted Friendship | The gifts reflected Abe’s personal bond with Trump, which defined Japan-US relations during Trump’s first term. Takaichi, Abe’s protégé, is seen as eager to rebuild that rapport to strengthen her minority government and Japan’s foreign standing. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 8Emotional Timing | Coincidentally, the trial of Abe’s accused assassin began the same day in Nara — Takaichi’s hometown — adding emotional significance to the meeting. (Image: AP)
4 / 8Warm Words from Trump | During the meeting at Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace, Trump called Abe “a great friend” of both himself and Takaichi. The new prime minister thanked him for his “enduring friendship” with Abe and for hosting Akie Abe, the late leader’s widow, at his Mar-a-Lago retreat. (Image: AP)
5 / 8A Familiar Face Returns | Takaichi’s interpreter, Sunao Takao, who had also served Abe, was back in the room — the same translator Trump once jokingly called “junior prime minister.” (Image: Reuters)
6 / 8‘Japan Is Back’ Caps Signed | To mark the occasion, Takaichi and Trump signed baseball caps printed with Abe’s famous slogan, “Japan Is Back,” which Takaichi also used during her leadership campaign. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 8Shared Moments Beyond Politics | Though not a golfer like Abe, Takaichi watched a few innings of a Major League Baseball game with Trump before official talks — an informal gesture to recreate the easy camaraderie Abe once shared with him. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 8Strengthening Political Ground | Analysts told Reuters that rebuilding personal trust with Trump could help Takaichi bolster her domestic standing, as her coalition remains two votes short of a majority. Expert Mark Davidson said this timing allows her to “make small concessions to solidify the relationship.” (Image: Reuters)
