Motegi’s Support Helps Takaichi During 1st Visit to White House as PM; FM Draws on Extensive Diplomatic Experience

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:38 JST, March 22, 2026

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi drew on his extensive diplomatic experience to support Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her first visit to Washington as Japan’s leader.

Motegi, who joined the trip on short notice after receiving a request from Takaichi, attended the summit between the prime minister and U.S. President Donald Trump and a subsequent dinner hosted by the U.S. leader at the White House on Thursday.

At the beginning of the talks, Takaichi condemned Iran’s actions against its neighbors and de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. “Foreign Minister Motegi has also urged the Iranian foreign minister to cease these actions,” she said, emphasizing Japan’s diplomatic efforts in the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

Trump’s remarks regarding the situation in Iran have been inconsistent. Takaichi, aiming to discern Washington’s true intentions during her visit, decided to bring Motegi because of his extensive diplomatic experience, according to officials who accompanied her to the United States.

During the summit, Trump asked Takaichi an unexpected question regarding peace through strength. Takaichi, caught off guard, turned to Motegi, who answered on her behalf. Trump was said to have reacted positively.

As the talks focused on the situation in Iran and economic matters, little time was left for a thorough dialogue on China and Taiwan.

As a result, Motegi took the opportunity during the dinner to share his views on China with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was seated next to him.

Regarding Japan-China relations, Motegi stressed that “issues need to be resolved through dialogue.” He also noted that attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, as well as China’s export restrictions, would affect both Japan and the United States.

The two agreed on the importance of strengthening supply chains, including those for rare earth elements, and expanding cooperation in the field of economic security.

Since the eruption of the situation in Iran, Motegi had held repeated consultations with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prepare for Takaichi’s visit.

Moreover, Motegi has held telephone talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi twice this month, calling for a quick de-escalation of the situation. Japan has traditionally enjoyed friendly relations with Iran.

“Foreign Minister Motegi’s support for the prime minister, from arranging the summit meeting to attending the dinner, worked well,” said a senior foreign ministry official.