Tokyo, Japan — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is looking to bolster ties with the United States during her upcoming visit to Washington next month, focusing on collaboration in economic security and the development of rare earth materials. In a press conference earlier this week, Takaichi noted the increasing tensions between Japan and China, underscoring the urgency to strengthen their partnership with the U.S.

Having recently secured her position as Japan’s first female leader through a decisive electoral victory, Takaichi was reappointed by the Parliament earlier this week and has since formed her second Cabinet. Her leadership priorities encompass enhancing Japan’s military capabilities, increasing government spending, and implementing ultra-conservative policies that align with her vision for the country.

The prime minister’s party, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), now holds a supermajority in the lower house of Parliament, giving Takaichi significant power to shape legislative agendas and push through initiatives often stymied by the upper house. This majority may facilitate her ambitions to advance military reforms and tighten immigration regulations, among other goals.

Takaichi’s immediate challenge includes addressing rising consumer prices and stagnating wages, issues that are resulting in economic strain for many families. Proposed initiatives include a temporary sales tax reduction on food items aimed at relieving household financial burdens. However, experts warn that her expansive fiscal policies could inadvertently exacerbate inflation and hinder efforts to manage Japan’s substantial national debt.

As she prepares for a critical summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Takaichi is eager to explore investment opportunities that have emerged following Trump’s endorsement prior to the election. The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced Japan’s funding for significant infrastructure projects, reinforcing the economic connection between the two nations.

Relations with China are also at the forefront of Takaichi’s agenda. She has labeled herself as hawkish, particularly regarding defense matters, and previously signaled potential military responses to any aggressive moves by China against Taiwan. This assertive position has fostered a level of support domestically, as many Japanese citizens share concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

In line with her military aspirations, Takaichi aims to update Japan’s security policies by year-end, which may include lifting the ban on exporting lethal weapons and considering the development of advanced naval capabilities. She also intends to establish a national intelligence agency aimed at enhancing collaboration with allies, particularly the United States, Australia, and Britain.

On the domestic front, Takaichi’s administration has proposed stricter immigration policies, resonating with growing public sentiment around foreign resident regulations. This includes reforms to permanent residency applications and measures intended to mitigate tax evasions related to non-citizens.

Culturally, she reflects conservative values in her stance on issues like male-only succession within the imperial family and opposition to same-sex marriage. Takaichi also seeks to maintain traditional family structures, resisting calls to revise certain legal frameworks that could allow married couples to keep separate surnames.

Through her multifaceted agenda, Takaichi aims to solidify Japan’s position both internationally and domestically, navigating a complex landscape of economic challenges and regional security dynamics while aligning closely with essential allies like the United States.