Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has talked about strong relations with America. His statement has come at a time when US President Donald Trump is extremely angry that Japan and other countries did not support him on his appeal for help in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Takaichi met Trump at the White House. He told Trump that Japan opposes the development of Iran’s nuclear program. He told Trump, ‘The security environment in West Asia and now around the world is very serious, but despite this, I firmly believe that Donald, only you can establish peace in the entire world.’
Trump also praised the Japanese Prime Minister and described Takaichi as a popular and powerful woman. However, when journalists repeatedly questioned Japan’s support for the Iran war, some tension was visible between the two leaders.
During a 30-minute public appearance with Takaichi before a closed-door meeting in the Oval Office, the office of the US President, Takaichi was seen looking at his watch while Trump was answering questions. After this, when Trump was asked why America did not inform allies like Japan before the attacks on Iran, he made a particularly uncomfortable comment, referring to Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Trump jokingly said, ‘We didn’t tell anyone about it because we wanted to shock. Who knows better than Japan about shocking? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?’ As soon as Trump said this, the slight smile on Takaichi’s face seemed to disappear and he raised his eyebrows, but in the evening both of them were seen smiling when Trump organized a dinner in his office in honor of the Japanese Prime Minister.
Trump said, ‘You are a wonderful woman and it is my honor to welcome you to the White House.’ Takaichi described the two leaders as best friends and then said in English, ‘Japan is back.’ Earlier on Thursday (March 19, 2026), the leaders of five European countries and Japan issued a joint statement calling on Iran to stop attacks blocking commercial navigation on the Strait of Hormuz, saying that they are ready to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure that ships can pass safely through this strait. However, it is not clear what this statement means.
Trump told reporters that he would discuss Japan’s level of support for the US in the Iran war in his meeting with Takaichi. “They are really coming forward,” he said. He did not give any further details about it. Trump later said that a large part of the oil on which Japan depends passes through the Strait of Hormuz. He said, ‘So this is a big reason for him to come forward.’
He also mentioned America’s spending in Japan and the number of troops deployed there. Trump said, ‘I hope Japan will come forward because we have that kind of relationship.’ After meeting Trump, Takaichi told reporters that both agreed that ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz is a matter of utmost importance, but he explained to Trump in detail what Japan can and cannot do under its law.
Earlier this week, Trump had complained several times this week that US allies, including Japan, were not heeding his requests for help securing the Strait of Hormuz, later saying the help was not needed but in other comments indicating he still expected help.
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