On Friday February 7, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will meet United States President Donald Trump for the first time.  He will be one of the first leaders, after Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, to have an in-person meeting since Trump was officially inaugurated on January 20, 2025. 

Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, Ishiba sought to meet Trump prior to Trump’s inauguration, but those attempts were unsuccessful.  His inability to secure a pre-inauguration meeting, especially when leaders like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did so, despite their known skepticism toward Trump, was viewed as another sign of Ishiba’s perceived lack of leadership strength within Japan.

Moreover, Ishiba’s political style appears to contrast sharply with the characteristics Trump values in foreign leaders.  Trump appreciates displays of strength, favors big-picture discussions over policy details, and prioritizes an “America First” agenda.  Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks at his confirmation hearing outlined the Trump administration’s foreign policy lens, focusing on three questions:

1. Does it make America safer?
2. Does it make America stronger?
3. Does it make America more prosperous? 

Known for his meticulous and contemplative style, particularly on defense policy, Ishiba is known to be a policy-focused “geek”.  As such he is known to focus more on the details of policy issues which often causes his policy focus to take unconventional turns. However, his upcoming meeting with Trump presents an important opportunity to reshape his perception and demonstrate his capacity to lead on the global stage.

In retrospect, the failed attempts to meet Trump before his inauguration may have been a blessing in disguise, affording Ishiba more time to prepare. To make the most of his meeting, Ishiba should focus on several important strategies:

Project Confidence and Strength. Ishiba must present himself as a confident, decisive leader. Trump is likely aware of Ishiba’s domestic political challenges, but Ishiba should avoid delving into these issues. Instead he can acknowledge the challenges briefly and assert his plan to overcome them, framing himself as a resilient leader committed to guiding Japan forward.

Embrace a “Japan First” Approach. Rather than emphasizing joint efforts or the broader value of the US-Japan alliance, Ishiba should align with Trump’s “America First” philosophy by positioning himself as a “Japan First” prime minister. This framing allows Ishiba to discuss bilateral issues — from regional security to economic cooperation — through the lens of mutual benefit, emphasizing how US-Japan collaboration makes both nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous. He should resist the urge to get lost in policy minutiae, focusing on strategic outcomes.  For example, if discussing Nippon Steel’s attempt to acquire U.S. Steel, he should highlight how the deal could contribute to America’s economic prosperity.

Acknowledge Abe’s Legacy. Although Ishiba and Abe were political rivals, acknowledging Abe’s contributions and his strong personal relationship with Trump can showcase Ishiba’s leadership maturity. Praising Abe’s role in strengthening US-Japan ties demonstrates Ishiba’s ability to rise above personal politics for the national interest. Reports that Trump has maintained contact with Akie Abe following her husband’s passing underscore the personal nature of their relationship. By recognizing this and articulating his own vision for Japan’s future, Ishiba can position himself as a confident leader who respects the past while moving Japan forward to meet its challenges. 

The meeting with Trump on Friday is a golden opportunity for Ishiba to redefine himself as a strong leader who can face Trump with confidence.  By projecting strength while focusing on mutual interests, he can lay the foundation to build a positive and productive relationship with the Trump administration.