Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and US President Donald Trump meet in Washington DC on Friday, 7 February, for their first in-person talks since Ishiba took office in October 2024 and Trump began his second term in January 2025.

The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening the Japan-US alliance, economic ties, and regional security. Ishiba is set to highlight Japan’s defence spending and investment in the US, while discussions may also touch on energy imports and the Taiwan Strait.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on China and the DPRK. Japan is the second country to hold direct talks with Trump since his return to office, following Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's visit earlier this week.