Trump Hosts Japanese PM Takaichi for White House Dinner

The formal event highlighted strengthening U.S.-Japan ties and economic cooperation.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:37am

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President Donald Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for a formal dinner at the White House on Thursday night. The event, which included about 70 guests, came after the two leaders held talks aimed at bolstering the U.S.-Japan alliance. During the dinner, Trump praised Takaichi and the two countries' friendship, while Takaichi congratulated Trump on his son's birthday and the U.S. on its 250th anniversary.

Why it matters

The dinner highlighted the close relationship between the U.S. and Japan, as well as the economic cooperation between the two countries. It comes as both nations seek to strengthen ties and address shared challenges, such as supply chain resilience and critical mineral resources.

The details

During the dinner, Trump and Takaichi announced several major initiatives, including projects worth up to $40 billion involving Japan's GE Vernova Hitachi to build U.S. nuclear reactors, up to $33 billion in natural gas generation facilities, and a memorandum of cooperation on deep-sea minerals cooperation. The formal event in the State Dining Room featured golden table settings and a large golden eagle statue.

  • The dinner took place on the evening of Thursday, March 20, 2026.
  • Takaichi became Japan's first woman prime minister in October.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who hosted the dinner.

Sanae Takaichi

The prime minister of Japan who attended the dinner, becoming the country's first woman prime minister in October.

Sundar Pichai

The CEO of Google who was among the approximately 70 guests at the dinner.

Masayoshi Son

The CEO of SoftBank who was among the approximately 70 guests at the dinner.

Larry Fink

The CEO of BlackRock who was among the approximately 70 guests at the dinner.

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What they’re saying

“We're very honored to have you with us tonight.”

— Donald Trump

“A stronger Japan and a stronger America, a more prosperous Japan and a more prosperous America, I am very confident that Donald and I are the best buddies to realize this shared goal.”

— Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan

“Japan is back!”

— Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan

What’s next

The leaders announced several major initiatives during the dinner, including nuclear reactor and natural gas projects, as well as a memorandum on deep-sea minerals cooperation. These agreements are expected to be further developed and implemented in the coming months.

The takeaway

The formal White House dinner highlighted the strong partnership between the U.S. and Japan, as the two countries work to deepen economic ties and address shared strategic priorities. The event showcased the personal rapport between President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan.