Her social media post about visiting Japanese war memorials in Kuala Lumpur, where she commemorated Japanese "ancestors who lost their lives in Malaysia," has drawn sharp criticism from Malaysians who view her remarks as tone-deaf given Japan's brutal World War II occupation of the country.

Japan’s recently elected first female premier met the U.S. President on Tuesday to try to set a new tone for U.S.-Japan relations.

U.S. President Donald Trump is meeting with Japan's newly elected, ultraconservative leader in Tokyo during one of the busiest days of his Asia trip, the itinerary of which includes speaking to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier and mingling with business leaders.

Japan is seeking to deepen cooperation with Malaysia and other Asean member states on key regional and global security issues ahead of newly elected

Takaichi said that the cherry trees would be gifted in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary next year and would bolster a new “golden age” of US-Japan relations.

President Donald Trump met new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Oct. 28 and said the U.S. is an “ally at the strongest level.”

US President Donald Trump attends a reception and dinner with business leaders in Japan. Release date: 28 October 2025. 10 minutes