[REVISION HISTORY]

Japan-U.S. diplomacy and domestic criticism of PM Takaichi

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2026-10-28 11:22 UTC → 2026-11-05 11:01 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi engaged in high-level diplomatic activities at the United Nations in New York, focusing on strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and promoting a rule-of-law-based international order. During a 35-minute bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, the leaders discussed economic security, deterrence, and cooperation in critical sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and rare earth minerals. Trump offered personal praise, stating Takaichi would be remembered as ‘one of the great prime ministers.’ Following this, Takaichi addressed the UN General Assembly, reaffirming support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) framework. However, Takaichi’s diplomatic conduct and administration communications have faced domestic criticism. Former lawmaker Ichiro Ozawa criticized the failure to hold a joint press conference with President Trump, arguing the absence of a shared forum makes reports on the meeting unilateral and unreliable. Additionally, the Cabinet Public Relations Office faced backlash for posting a manufactured ‘cut-and-paste’ composite image of Takaichi and Trump on social media. Scrutiny has intensified regarding Takaichi’s absence from an online G7 summit on October 2, marking the first time a Japanese Prime Minister has missed one of the 17 online G7 summits held since March 2020. Opposition lawmaker Kiyomi Tsujimoto characterized the absence as a ‘de facto abandonment of duty.’ Controversy grew due to conflicting explanations: Takaichi cited technical preparation issues and a lack of large-scale displays, while Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi cited limited speaking opportunities and short notice. Critics further noted Takaichi was attending a social gathering with LDP officials shortly before the summit, leading to allegations that the meeting was deprioritized. During Diet sessions, Takaichi clarified that the meeting time was not confirmed until shortly before it began and that she was informed proxy attendance was acceptable as the agenda focused on U.S. and European matters.

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