Sanae Takaichi’s first summit with Donald Trump in Washington emphasized Japan’s strong US relationship and her diplomatic skill. A brief tense moment arose when Trump referenced the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, but otherwise he praised Japan, noted new economic cooperation, and pledged support ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Takaichi clarified Japan’s pacifist constitution limits its role in defending the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring legal constraints on military support.