Ford F-150: The Unlikely Star of Japan-US Trade Diplomacy Under Trump Administration

Massive American pickup trucks are seldom encountered in Tokyo's urban landscape.

Tokyo:

The robust Ford F-150 pickup, traditionally emblematic of American resilience, has emerged as an unexpected diplomatic tool in international trade negotiations, illustrating the extraordinary measures countries like Japan will implement to establish favorable relations with US President Donald Trump.

During Trump's meeting with Japan's recently appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi—the nation's first female leader—in Tokyo on Tuesday, a Ford F-150 was strategically displayed outside the Akasaka Palace where discussions took place.

Large American pickup trucks remain an uncommon sight throughout Tokyo, where narrow streets and constricted turning radiuses pose significant challenges for such vehicles.

However, the conspicuous positioning of the F-150, a model not typically marketed in Japan, conveyed an unmistakable message about Tokyo's readiness to increase automotive imports from its strategic partner—a contentious issue that has frustrated Trump for many years.

Reuters reported last week that Takaichi's administration was developing a proposal to purchase F-150 trucks—an initiative originally suggested by Trump—along with soybeans and natural gas.

"Well, that's great. She has good taste," Trump remarked to journalists aboard Air Force One on Saturday when questioned about the report. "That's a hot truck."

In August, Trump announced that Japan was prepared to acquire the "very beautiful" F-150. He frequently criticizes what he perceives as resistance to American automotive imports while Japanese and European manufacturers sell millions of vehicles annually in the United States.

Recent trade agreements have seen both markets eliminate or reduce safety testing requirements for American vehicle imports.

However, reluctance to purchase American vehicles has little connection to trade barriers. Drivers in both Tokyo and London generally view American cars as excessively large and fuel-inefficient.

The quantity of F-150 trucks Japan intends to purchase remains undefined.

Japanese government sources have informed Reuters that the trucks would likely serve as snow removal vehicles, given their substantial dimensions.

Mini or "kei" cars—compact vehicles not manufactured by American automakers—constituted one-third of the 3.7 million new automobiles sold in Japan last year.

Foreign automobiles represented 6% of total new car sales, with European brands ranking among the top-selling imports, according to industry statistics.

Ford withdrew from the Japanese market nearly a decade ago.

Additionally, Trump stated that Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota would establish vehicle production facilities in the United States, representing a $10 billion investment.

A Toyota representative was not immediately available to address Trump's comments.