The exchange was seen as an important step in reassuring Tokyo of continued U.S. support during a moment of heightened regional tension.

Takaichi had earlier remarked in parliament that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt Japanese military action.

Her comment triggered a strong reaction from Beijing, including a suspension of group travel to Japan and sharp diplomatic criticism.

Taiwan sits just over 100 kilometres from Japanese territory, and its security situation directly influences Japan’s strategic environment.

China continues to claim Taiwan as its own, while the island’s government rejects this position and insists its future must be determined only by its own people.

Trump has not publicly addressed the diplomatic dispute, leading some analysts in Japan to express concern about Washington’s position.

However, following the call, Takaichi stressed that the U.S. president assured her of a close working relationship and encouraged her to reach him anytime.

She said Trump initiated the call and briefed her on the status of U.S.-China relations, including his recent discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to Takaichi, Trump highlighted ongoing dialogue with Beijing and reaffirmed strong bilateral ties between Washington and Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Xi conveyed to Trump that Taiwan’s “return” is central to China’s long-term vision, according to official reports from Beijing.

Trump later noted progress in trade discussions with China but did not publicly mention any Taiwan-related issues.

Japanese officials were relieved that Trump contacted Takaichi shortly after his call with Xi.

Government sources described the timing as significant, reflecting Japan’s continued priority in U.S. foreign policy considerations.

Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai reiterated that returning to China is not an option for the island’s 23 million residents.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara also emphasised that stable U.S.-China relations are vital for the wider international community, including Japan.

Japan continues to strengthen its defence capabilities as regional competition intensifies.

Encouraged by the U.S., Tokyo has expanded military spending and positioned new defence units closer to Taiwan.

China criticised Japan’s plans to deploy a medium-range missile unit to Yonaguni, the island nearest Taiwan.

Beijing described the move as an attempt to escalate tension and provoke confrontation in the region.

Japan recently scrambled a fighter jet after detecting a Chinese drone flying near its southwestern islands.

These incidents underline the increasingly complex security dynamics Tokyo is navigating.

While Takaichi has refused to retract her remarks on Taiwan, Japan insists it is open to dialogue with China at all levels.

Diplomatic meetings have continued, including talks between Japan’s vice foreign minister and China’s ambassador in Tokyo.

However, China declined the possibility of a meeting between Takaichi and Premier Li Qiang during the recent G20 summit.

Analysts believe this signals a difficult period ahead for Japan-China relations under Takaichi’s leadership.

Some Japanese officials also remain cautious about Trump’s long-term stance on Taiwan.

Analysts note that the U.S. administration could prioritise trade negotiations with China in ways that may affect regional security calculations.

A senior professor of U.S. politics in Japan wrote that understanding these risks is essential for shaping Japan’s approach to China.

Tokyo’s foreign minister stated that the government is not worried about Trump’s silence, noting the U.S. does not comment on every issue publicly.

Japan continues to balance diplomacy, defence, and regional partnerships as it faces one of the most sensitive geopolitical challenges in East Asia.

The recent call between Takaichi and Trump aims to reassure Japanese policymakers as tensions with Beijing remain unresolved.

With energy prices driving inflation and burdening households, Takaichi’s policies aim to balance economic stability, environmental responsibility, and national resilience.

A Pro-Nuclear Vision for a Sustainable Future

Takaichi, known for her pragmatic and forward-looking approach, has long been an advocate of nuclear energy and next-generation fusion technology.

Her leadership signals a major push toward reviving Japan’s nuclear fleet, which she views as essential for cutting fuel import costs, reducing carbon emissions, and achieving long-term energy independence.

Following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Japan’s nuclear sector saw years of hesitation and slow restarts. Of the 54 reactors previously in operation, only 33 remain technically operable, and just 14 have been restarted so far.

Takaichi’s government plans to accelerate the approval process for safe reactors, ensuring compliance with strict safety standards and community engagement.

“We aim to proceed with nuclear restarts while taking concrete steps to gain the necessary understanding of local communities and stakeholders,” said Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s newly appointed Minister for Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Strengthening Ties with the U.S.

Takaichi’s appointment of Akazawa, a fluent English speaker and experienced negotiator of Japan-U.S. trade agreements, highlights her commitment to strong international cooperation, especially with Washington. Analysts see this as a sign that Japan will continue deepening energy and trade relations with the U.S.

Her government is preparing an energy package to present during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo next week. The package includes additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases from American suppliers, demonstrating Japan’s willingness to diversify energy sources while maintaining economic diplomacy.

However, Tokyo remains cautious about committing to the $44-billion Alaska LNG project, preferring a balanced approach that avoids overreliance on any single source.

Tackling Inflation Through Energy Reform

Japan spent an estimated 10.7 trillion yen ($71 billion) last year on imported LNG and coal — around 10% of the country’s total import costs. With 60% to 70% of Japan’s electricity generated from imported fossil fuels, energy prices have been a key driver of inflation and public frustration.

By restarting nuclear reactors and investing in domestic technologies, the Takaichi administration hopes to stabilize energy prices, cut emissions, and boost industrial productivity.

Lower electricity costs could ease pressure on both households and small businesses while supporting the competitiveness of Japanese manufacturing and data-driven industries.

Embracing Innovation and Energy Diversification

While nuclear power remains central to her strategy, Takaichi also emphasizes technological innovation and energy diversification.

She supports the development of perovskite solar cells, an emerging Japanese innovation that could redefine solar energy efficiency and become a valuable export technology.

However, she has expressed skepticism toward massive solar and wind projects, especially those dependent on imported Chinese components.

Instead, she aims to promote smaller-scale, domestically developed renewable technologies that align with Japan’s economic and environmental goals.

Industry analysts note that her approach could shift investment focus toward homegrown innovations, such as advanced nuclear and fusion technologies, which could make Japan a leader in clean, reliable energy.

A Balanced and Future-Oriented Energy Policy

Takaichi’s energy agenda reflects a balanced vision—one that acknowledges the importance of renewables but prioritizes energy reliability and national security.

Her stance on nuclear restarts is supported by many experts who argue that Japan cannot meet its decarbonization and affordability goals without restoring its nuclear capacity.

“Prime Minister Takaichi will almost certainly push for a more ambitious nuclear reactor relaunch,” said Henning Gloystein, managing director at Eurasia Group. “This will help bring down power prices while reducing dependence on imported fuels.”

As Japan faces growing energy demands from data centers, industry expansion, and climate goals, the Takaichi administration’s policies mark a turning point.

By combining nuclear innovation, international cooperation, and domestic research, Japan is positioning itself for a sustainable, secure, and economically vibrant energy future.

In the years ahead, Takaichi’s leadership may restore public confidence in nuclear technology and reaffirm Japan’s global role as a clean-energy pioneer—proving that a nation once scarred by disaster can emerge stronger, safer, and more self-reliant through bold, science-driven reform.