Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's First Summit Meeting with US President Donald Trump

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's initial summit with US President Donald Trump sparked concerns in Tokyo about Japan potentially becoming the next target of US tariffs, following similar actions against Canada and other allies.

However, Ishiba returned to Japan having seemingly established a cordial relationship with Trump and avoided any specific new demands. Despite Trump's tariff threats, including a 25% levy on steel and aluminum imports, Ishiba emphasized what Japan could do to benefit the US.

Ishiba pledged to increase energy imports from the US and boost investment there, potentially creating more jobs. His whirlwind 24-hour visit to Washington DC even saw the potential resolution of a long-standing issue in US-Japan relations, as Trump expressed enthusiasm for Nippon Steel Corp. investing in US Steel Corp. instead of a full acquisition.

Ishiba's approach highlighted how other countries could navigate Trump's transactional nature, according to Yuka Hayashi, vice president of the Asia Group consultancy. His effusive praise for Trump, ranging from his resilience after an assassination attempt to his support for fossil fuel extraction and Japan's increased defense spending, contributed to a summit that surpassed expectations.

Ishiba also acknowledged Trump's concerns about US Steel, stating the importance of maintaining its status as an American company producing high-quality products. Regarding the risk of additional tariffs, Ishiba emphasized the need for mutually beneficial relationships.

Japanese officials planned the summit around areas where Tokyo's interests aligned with Trump's priorities. Energy policy was a relatively straightforward win, with Japan importing nearly all its energy and Trump promising to maximize America's potential energy reserves. Japan committed to increased LNG imports from the US and expressed interest in a pipeline project to transport LNG from northern Alaska.

Before the summit, Ishiba consulted with former prime ministers on US-Japan relations. During his initial meeting with Trump in the Oval Office, Ishiba combined praise for the US leader with details of new Japanese investments in the US, including new and upgraded auto plants from Isuzu Motors Ltd. and Toyota Motor Corp.

US and Japanese interests also converged in their shared concerns about China's growing military power. Japan sought confirmation of the US commitment to their security alliance, which Trump and a joint statement emphasized as "unshakeable." They reaffirmed the US-Japan defense treaty's coverage of islands in the East China Sea controlled by Japan but claimed by China, anchoring the US security presence in the region amidst Beijing's maritime expansion.

Ishiba exhibited a calm demeanor throughout the summit, even when Trump mentioned tariffs as a potential option due to Japan's trade surplus with the US. The Japanese leader's stoic delivery did not appear to hinder communication, as Trump expressed high regard for Ishiba, who has been in office for slightly over four months.

Ishiba even elicited a smile from Trump and laughter from US officials when asked about Japan's potential response to new tariffs. In a diplomatic response, Ishiba stated the inability to answer hypothetical questions during official situations.

Kurt Tong, former deputy head of mission of the US embassy in Tokyo and current managing partner at the Asia Group, believes the summit provides a blueprint for other US allies and friends to navigate the Trump era. He acknowledges the Japanese side's adaptation to Trump's style and policies.