Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Prepares Economic Package for Trump Meeting: Strategic Trade and Defense Agenda

Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi began her tenure on Wednesday with her administration finalizing a strategic purchase package that includes American pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas to present during upcoming discussions with President Donald Trump next week, according to two informed sources.

The sources indicate that Takaichi will not commit to any specific new defense spending targets during this meeting, despite Washington's increasing pressure on Japan and other allies to enhance their defense contributions.

The scheduled talks in Tokyo will mark Trump's first visit to Japan following his re-election. This meeting follows the previous agreement by former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to invest approximately $550 billion in the United States in exchange for reduced automotive tariffs.

"The alliance with the United States is the cornerstone of Japan foreign and security policy," Takaichi stated during her inaugural press conference as prime minister on Tuesday.

When questioned about the planned purchase package and potential investments, a Japanese government representative responded, "It would be premature to comment on the discussions that may take place during President Trump's visit."

The White House has not provided an immediate response to requests for comment on this matter.

In what represents her first significant diplomatic challenge, Takaichi plans to offer Trump several economic incentives. These include purchasing Ford F150 pickup trucks—an idea originally suggested by Trump—and an agreement to increase imports of American soybeans, which US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick specifically requested during a recent conversation with his Japanese counterpart, according to sources who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly.

China's restrictions on American soybean imports have adversely affected US farmers who depend on Asian markets. September saw exports to China fall to zero for the first time in nearly seven years.

Japanese officials may reduce purchases from Brazilian suppliers to accommodate increased American imports, which currently constitute 70% of Japan's soybean consumption, one source revealed to Reuters.

The F150 pickup trucks, designed for America's wider roadways, could potentially serve as snow removal vehicles in Japan.

Japan also intends to increase purchases of American liquefied natural gas (LNG), although current plans do not include sourcing from the Alaskan pipeline project championed by Trump. Officials will present a list of potential investment projects under the $550 billion agreement, which both governments will evaluate before Trump makes final selections, according to sources.

During the Liberal Democratic Party leadership contest, Takaichi was the only candidate among five who suggested that the agreement, which heavily favors the United States in terms of returns, was inequitable. However, following her victory, she committed to honoring the arrangement.

"Even with a one-to-nine profit split, if the risk is low, it can still make business sense," a separate Japanese government source explained.

The conservative prime minister has expressed her desire to strengthen security cooperation with Washington. Japan currently hosts the largest concentration of American military forces outside the United States, including an aircraft carrier, a Marine expeditionary force, and numerous fighter aircraft.

During next week's meeting, she will indicate Japan's willingness to accelerate its defense enhancement beyond the 2% of GDP target established for 2027, the first source stated.

Takaichi announced yesterday that she would direct defense officials to review three strategic documents from 2022 that form the foundation of Japan's most significant military expansion since World War II.

When asked on Wednesday about potential revisions to national security documents, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi remarked, "It's not about the amount or the ratio to GDP. What matters is the substance of our defense capabilities."

President Trump is scheduled to arrive in Japan on Monday and depart Tuesday. His itinerary includes a meeting with Emperor Naruhito.