President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, as the two leaders marked a milestone in U.S.-Japan relations with the announcement of up to $550 billion in Japanese investments in the United States.

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, accompanied Trump during a visit to U.S. troops aboard the USS George Washington and took part in high-level meetings that culminated in the investment pledges. Among them, $100 billion each will be channelled into nuclear projects led by Westinghouse and GE Vernova, reflecting a deepening of energy and technology cooperation between the two nations.

Describing the visit as a “victory lap,” Trump underscored the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and reaffirmed his commitment to continued support. Takaichi, drawing on her longstanding ties to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, highlighted initiatives to expand cultural exchanges, including sending cherry trees and fireworks to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary. She also hosted a working lunch featuring Japanese-American cuisine.

In a further sign of collaboration, the leaders signed agreements on critical minerals and rare earths under what they described as a “golden age” of bilateral relations. In addition, Trump pointed to Toyota’s plans to invest $10 billion in U.S. automotive plants.

Trump, who arrived in Tokyo on Monday and met the emperor, is set to continue his Asia tour with visits to South Korea and China to advance trade and regional security discussions.

# Agencies