News On Japan

Trump Pressures Japan Over Defense Spending

WASHINGTON DC, Apr 12 (News On Japan) - U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced frustration over the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, stating that Japan has no obligation to defend the United States, and hinted at the possibility of demanding increased defense spending during trade negotiations with Tokyo.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump remarked, "We defend them, but they don't have to defend us," highlighting what he sees as an imbalance in the bilateral agreement.

He suggested that past administrations allowed other nations to take advantage of the United States, although he added, "We get along great" in reference to Japan. Nonetheless, he expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, stating, "We pay hundreds of billions of dollars to defend them," and added, "They don't pay anything."

Trump called the agreement "just one out of thousands" of flawed deals, and questioned the motivations of those who negotiated them, saying, "I just wonder who did this," and implying they were either indifferent or hostile toward the U.S.

The former president has repeatedly labeled the treaty as "unfair," a stance he often voiced during his first term and has continued to express in recent months.

Source: FNN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

As of 9 p.m. on October 10, Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) was nearly stationary north of Minami-Daito Island, with forecasts indicating that it will change course eastward and approach the seas east of Amami-Oshima by the morning of October 11. Meteorologists warn that from October 12, the typhoon is expected to advance eastward along the Pacific coast of western and eastern Japan, bringing the risk of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous conditions along coastal regions.

Komeito leader Saito informed Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Takaichi on October 10 that his party intends to withdraw from their coalition, bringing an end to a political partnership that has lasted 26 years, including periods when the LDP was in opposition. Leaders and secretary-generals of both parties met in the Diet at 1:45 p.m. on October 10 to discuss whether to continue the alliance, with Komeito insisting during the meeting that strengthening regulations on corporate and organizational political donations be accepted as a condition for maintaining the coalition.

Tokyo has confirmed its first case of a dog infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a potentially fatal disease transmitted by ticks. It is the first time an animal infection has been recorded in the capital.

Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential areas.

Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, made a direct hit on the Izu Islands, leaving widespread damage across the region. On Hachijo Island, located about 300 kilometers south of Tokyo, the storm brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds, leaving residents stunned by the destruction.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Politics NEWS

Japan’s new administration under Liberal Democratic Party President Takaichi faces its first major diplomatic test: an inaugural summit with President Trump, expected on October 28. How that meeting unfolds—and how Takaichi responds if Trump presses Japan to lift defense outlays to 3.5% of GDP—will shape Tokyo’s security posture. With Beijing wary of Takaichi’s stance, the trajectory of Japan–China relations is also in focus.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) under President Takaichi has finalized its executive appointments, marking the start of a new leadership structure. In the afternoon, the party is scheduled to begin coalition talks with its junior partner, Komeito.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to congratulate Japan following the selection of its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, writing that "Japan has just elected its first female Prime Minister, a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength.” While Trump did not name Takaichi directly, his post came as she assumed leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and was set to be formally elected as prime minister.

Sanae Takaichi won the leadership race of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party on October 4th, defeating former environment minister Shinjirō Koizumi in a runoff election that sets her on course to become the country’s first female prime minister. With the LDP holding a majority in the lower house, her confirmation in parliament is considered almost certain, opening a new chapter in Japanese politics.

Sanae Takaichi, elected as the Liberal Democratic Party’s new president on October 4th, declared on stage, “I ask everybody to work like a horse,” after defeating agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff to become the party’s first female leader.

Former US President Donald Trump is arranging a three-day visit to Japan starting on October 27th, marking his first trip to the country in six years.

Maebashi Mayor Akira Ogawa held a closed-door meeting with all city council members on October 2nd to explain her repeated hotel meetings with a married senior city official, but afterward she avoided stating whether she would resign.

Japan is about to hold the leadership election of the ruling party, and the winner will become the next prime minister. Five candidates are in the running this time. Some people say Japan is doomed no matter who wins. (Japanese Comedian Meshida)