Japanese Prime Minister Visits the United States

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s March 18-21 visit to the United States unfolded amid a period of dramatic transformation, both at home and abroad.

Takaichi’s visit to the US put an end to the latest stage of internal turmoil

However, in the subsequent five years, three politicians have called themselves Prime Minister of Japan, and amid the worsening foreign policy situation, the people apparently longed for greater stability in the upper echelons of state governance. This determined the phenomenal success of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in the snap parliamentary elections held on February 8, as well as that of Takaichi personally, who positions herself as a successor to Abe’s political course. The sharp consolidation of her position domestically undoubtedly bolstered the confidence of the current prime minister during a meeting with a key ally. It should be noted that this meeting took place only five months after the previous one, when Trump paid a visit to Japan.

Transforming US-Japanese allied relations

It is quite natural that the first overseas visit of Prime Minister Takaichi was to the United States, Japan’s main military and political ally. This is especially pertinent given the serious bilateral issues, the protracted resolution of which threatens the very foundations of the US-Japan alliance.

The main issue pertains to the alliance’s objective post-war “benevolent patron-grateful vassal” format. This format allowed Japan to overcome postwar devastation, become the world’s third strongest economic power, and to be a significant and independent player in........

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