Donald Trump has endorsed Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of a snap election in her country on Sunday.
Takaichi has already proven to be a strong, powerful, and wise leader... one that truly loves her country, the US president wrote in a Truth Social post on Thursday, adding: She will not let the people of Japan down!
While it is rare for US presidents to publicly back candidates in foreign elections, Trump has done so before, endorsing Argentina's Javier Milei and Hungary's Viktor Orban most recently.
Takaichi has courted the US president as Tokyo seeks more stability in its relationship with Washington, its closest ally, in the wake of Trump's tariffs.
Trump had threatened a 25% tariff initially, but Japan then struck a deal in July to invest $550bn (£407bn) in the US. In exchange, Washington lowered import levies to 15%.
Takaichi became PM in October after she won the leadership race in her party and secured enough support in parliament. But she called for an election to seek a public mandate.
Just one week after she took office, Tokyo rolled out the red carpet for Trump, deploying a full military guard of honour and band to welcome him at the Akasaka Palace, the government's state guesthouse.
The two leaders heaped praises on each other and signed a deal on rare earths. They also signed a document heralding a new golden age of US-Japan relations.
During the visit, Takaichi described Trump as a partner in a new golden era, and praised his role in bringing peace to the Middle East.
In my visit to Japan, I and all of my representatives were extremely impressed with her, Trump wrote, noting that the two countries have made progress in national security cooperation and on the economic front.
Trump also said he will welcome Takaichi to the White House on 19 March.
His endorsement comes a day after he spoke with China's leader Xi Jinping. Xi emphasized Taiwan as the most important issue in their relationship, highlighting the tense diplomatic atmosphere in Asia.
Taiwan is a source of ongoing tension between Japan and China, particularly after Takaichi suggested Japan could strengthen its self-defence in light of Taiwan's situation.
