Trump and Japan Strike Deal on Rare Earths During Asia Trip

President Donald Trump started his big Asia tour in Japan today, signing an important deal with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to get more rare earth minerals—materials needed for things like electric cars, wind turbines, and military gear.

The two leaders met at the Akasaka Palace. Before the serious talks, Takaichi gave Trump a special gift: one of the golf clubs that belonged to the late Shinzo Abe, Japan’s former prime minister. Trump and Abe were close friends who often played golf together.

“He was a great friend of mine and yours,” Trump said warmly. Takaichi, Japan’s first woman prime minister and a strong supporter of Abe’s tough policies, gave Trump a firm handshake. He smiled and said it was “very strong.”

• Trump, Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi sign rare earths deal to cut reliance on China
• U.S. and Japan strike major rare earth minerals pact during Trump’s Asia tour
• Trump, Takaichi agree on rare earth partnership to secure supply chains, jobs

The main goal of the meeting was to reduce America’s reliance on China, which controls most of the world’s rare earth supplies. The U.S. has only one working mine for these minerals, so the new agreement promises joint investments, faster approvals for mining projects, and shared stockpiles. The countries also plan to work with other nations to create fairer markets. “The United States is an ally at the strongest level,” Trump said.

After the signing, Donald Trump and Takaichi visited a U.S. naval base in Yokosuka and toured the aircraft carrier USS George Washington. Japan hosts about 54,000 American troops, a reminder of the close military ties between the two countries.

Takaichi is expected to announce a $550 billion plan to buy more American products—like soybeans, natural gas, and pickup trucks—while investing in Japanese shipbuilding.

This trip is Trump’s first to Asia since returning to the White House. Next, he heads to South Korea, where he hopes to ease trade tensions with China. For Takaichi, who leads a shaky coalition at home, standing beside Trump gives her a boost.

Also Read: Taiwan Says U.S. Ties Are Solid as Trump Prepares to Meet Xi

The deal isn’t perfect—mining can harm the environment, and U.S. tariffs could cause friction—but it’s a step toward safer supply chains. In Tokyo today, an old golf club and a firm handshake helped seal a modern partnership.