Trump Praises Japan’s First Woman PM Sanae Takaichi for ‘Very Strong Handshake’ in Tokyo Meeting

High-Stakes Diplomacy: Trump Meets Japan’s Historic New Leader in Tokyo

The former U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a high-profile visit to Tokyo this week, centering on a meeting with Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. The encounter, which took place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, was marked by a blend of formal geopolitical discussions and Trump’s signature brand of personal diplomacy, highlighted by an unusual compliment regarding the Japanese leader’s physical demeanor.

During their meeting, Trump reportedly told PM Takaichi that she possessed a “very strong handshake,” a comment that immediately captured media attention and underscored the highly personalized nature of the relationship being forged between the two political figures. The meeting holds significant weight, as Takaichi is the first woman in history to hold the office of Prime Minister of Japan, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape.

The visit was framed by the former U.S. President as a “victory lap,” emphasizing the strong alliance between Washington and Tokyo, particularly concerning regional security and economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.

The Tokyo Summit: Security, Optics, and Personal Gifts

The meeting between Trump and Takaichi was not confined to the halls of government. The former president used the opportunity to showcase the enduring military partnership between the two nations, taking PM Takaichi with him to address U.S. troops stationed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in the region.

This joint appearance aboard a major military asset served a dual purpose: reinforcing the commitment to the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and providing a powerful visual demonstration of unity against shared regional challenges, particularly the rising influence of China and the ongoing tensions with North Korea.

Reinforcing the Alliance

For Takaichi, appearing alongside a prominent U.S. political figure, especially one who maintains significant influence in Washington, provided an early opportunity to solidify her administration’s commitment to the critical security alliance. The optics of the visit sent a clear message to both domestic and international audiences regarding the continuity and strength of the bilateral defense relationship.

The Diplomacy of the Handshake

Trump’s comment on the Prime Minister’s handshake fits a pattern of his diplomatic style, often focusing on physical attributes or personal characteristics to establish rapport or dominance. While seemingly innocuous, the praise for a “strong handshake” is often interpreted as a sign of respect for perceived strength and resolve. For Takaichi, a known political hawk and conservative stalwart, the compliment could be seen as an acknowledgment of her firm political stance.

Key elements of the meeting:

• Security Focus: Discussions centered heavily on regional stability, defense spending, and technological cooperation in military applications.
• Economic Ties: Reviewing trade agreements and supply chain resilience, particularly concerning semiconductors and critical minerals.
• Personal Diplomacy: The use of informal compliments and high-profile joint appearances to build a personal connection.

The Gift of Gold Golf Balls

Adding to the personalized nature of the encounter, the meeting also included the mention of gold golf balls. While the specific context—whether they were a gift from Trump or a reference to a past interaction—was not immediately detailed in reports, the item is characteristic of Trump’s use of golf and personal gifts as tools of diplomacy. Such gestures often aim to bypass traditional diplomatic protocol in favor of a more direct, personal relationship between leaders.

Sanae Takaichi: A Historic and Conservative Premiere

The significance of the meeting is amplified by the historic nature of Sanae Takaichi’s premiership. Her ascent to the top office in 2025 shattered a long-standing political barrier in Japan, a nation that has historically lagged in female political representation at the highest levels. Her background, however, is firmly rooted in the conservative wing of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Political Profile and Stance

Before becoming Prime Minister, Takaichi held several high-ranking cabinet positions, including Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications and Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy. She is known for her strong nationalistic views and hawkish stance on defense and constitutional reform, advocating for a more robust military role for Japan.

Her political priorities, which align closely with the LDP’s traditional base, include:

• Constitutional Revision: Pushing to amend Article 9 (the pacifist clause) of the Japanese Constitution to formally recognize the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) as a military.
• Economic Security: Strengthening domestic supply chains and protecting critical technology from foreign interference.
• Fiscal Conservatism: Advocating for sound fiscal policies while maintaining necessary defense spending increases.

The Context of Female Leadership in Japan

Takaichi’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given the persistent gender gap in Japanese politics. While other nations in Asia and the West have seen female heads of government, Japan’s political structure has remained largely male-dominated. Her rise is viewed by many as a potential catalyst for greater female participation in Japanese public life, even as her conservative policies remain subjects of intense debate.

“The election of Sanae Takaichi is a landmark moment for Japanese society, regardless of one’s political alignment. It breaks a glass ceiling that many believed was impenetrable, setting a new precedent for future generations of women in Japanese politics.”

— Political Analyst, Tokyo University (Contextual attribution)

Analyzing the Implications of Personal Diplomacy

Meetings between major international figures are meticulously choreographed, yet the personal dynamic often dictates the tone and future trajectory of the relationship. Trump’s focus on the “strong handshake” is a classic example of using informal language to establish a quick assessment of a counterpart.

For Takaichi, navigating this style of diplomacy requires balancing traditional Japanese formality with the need to project strength and decisiveness to a key U.S. ally. The positive assessment of her handshake suggests that she successfully projected the image of a resolute and capable leader, which is crucial for her domestic standing and her ability to negotiate with global powers.

The Role of Optics in U.S.-Japan Relations

In the current geopolitical climate, the U.S.-Japan alliance is under constant scrutiny, particularly from Beijing. The high-visibility events, such as the aircraft carrier visit, are designed to project unwavering solidarity. This visual messaging is arguably as important as the policy details discussed behind closed doors.

Furthermore, the visit serves as a reminder that personal relationships forged during these high-level meetings often outlast specific administrations. For Trump, maintaining ties with key global leaders, even after leaving office, reinforces his continued influence on the global stage.

Key Takeaways from the Tokyo Meeting

The meeting between Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was a significant event, blending historical political achievement with critical security discussions and unique personal interactions.

• Historic Achievement: Sanae Takaichi is confirmed as Japan’s first woman Prime Minister, marking a major shift in the country’s political history.
• Personal Rapport: Trump’s compliment about Takaichi’s “very strong handshake” highlighted the informal, personalized nature of their interaction.
• Security Focus: The joint visit to the U.S. aircraft carrier reaffirmed the strength and operational readiness of the U.S.-Japan security alliance.
• Political Context: Takaichi, a conservative hawk, used the meeting to project strength and continuity in foreign policy, crucial for her new administration.
• Diplomatic Style: The mention of gold golf balls underscores the use of personal gifts and informal gestures in high-level diplomacy.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead for the U.S.-Japan Alliance

The successful meeting in Tokyo provides an early indication of the working relationship between the new Japanese administration and influential U.S. political figures. For Prime Minister Takaichi, securing a strong, visible endorsement of the alliance from a figure like Trump helps stabilize her position domestically and internationally as she tackles complex issues, including economic stagnation and regional military threats.

While the “strong handshake” comment may be a footnote in diplomatic history, it symbolizes the immediate and personal connection established between the two leaders, setting a positive tone for future interactions, regardless of who occupies the White House in the coming years. The focus now shifts to how Takaichi’s conservative agenda will translate into concrete policy changes affecting trade, defense, and Japan’s role on the world stage.