Trump, global leaders congratulate Japan PM Sanae Takaichi after decisive election victory

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has received congratulations from world leaders after her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured a decisive victory in Japan’s general election, winning a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives and strengthening her political position.

Trump endorsement, congratulations and US administration reaction

US President Donald Trump endorsed Takaichi during the campaign as Japan headed to the polls for a crucial legislative election. He said he looked forward to welcoming her to the White House on March 19, recalling his recent visit to Japan, during which he and his delegation were “extremely impressed” with her leadership.

Highlighting bilateral cooperation, Trump pointed to close coordination on national security and trade, noting the United States and Japan had worked together on “a very substantial Trade Deal, one that strongly benefits both Countries.” In a direct endorsement, he said: “As President of the United States of America, it is my Honor to give a Complete and Total Endorsement of her, and what her highly respected Coalition is representing.” He added in capital letters, “SHE WILL NOT LET THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN DOWN!” and wished voters luck ahead of what he called their “very important Sunday Vote.”

Following the result, Trump congratulated Takaichi again on her coalition’s projected snap election victory, writing on Truth Social: “Congratulations to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Coalition on a LANDSLIDE Victory. It was my Honor to Endorse you and your Coalition. I wish you Great Success in passing your Conservative, Peace Through Strength Agenda.”

The Trump administration also welcomed the outcome. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Fox News that Trump has a “great relationship” with Takaichi and added that “when Japan is strong, the U.S. is strong in Asia.” He described the coalition’s two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives as a “big victory.”

US Ambassador to Japan George Glass described the result as an “impressive win” in a post on X, writing: “Congratulations to Prime Minister @takaichi_sanae on an impressive win in the House of Representatives election. I look forward to building on @POTUS @realDonaldTrump's reinvigoration of the U.S.-Japan partnership by continuing to deepen cooperation between our two dynamic nations.”

Kyodo News reported that Takaichi’s upcoming Washington visit — her first since taking office — will precede Trump’s planned April trip to China, as Beijing has taken an increasingly hard-line stance over her comments on a potential crisis in the Taiwan Strait. The report also noted Trump has repeatedly praised Japan’s commitment to large-scale investments in the United States, linked to a trade deal reached last summer following tariff threats against Tokyo. Since her early days in office, Trump has publicly lauded Takaichi, leader of the ruling LDP, describing her as a protege of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom he developed a close personal relationship during his first term.

The US State Department said it looks forward to advancing “U.S. security and economic priorities, as well as our shared interests, in the Indo-Pacific and globally” with Japan. A spokesperson described the US-Japan alliance as “the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity” in the region and said it “has never been stronger,” according to Kyodo News.

Other global leaders congratulate Takaichi

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also congratulated Takaichi on Sunday following the election result.

In a post on X, Meloni praised the “significant success achieved in the elections for the renewal of the House of Representatives of Japan.” She added, “Our Nations are united by a deep friendship and a strategic partnership that continues to grow stronger thanks to the relationship of sincere trust and constructive collaboration that we have been able to build over these years between our Governments.”

Recalling her January visit to Japan, Meloni said, “I always carry in my eyes and in my heart the extraordinary welcome I received during my visit in January, which further strengthened the bond between our Nations.” She added Italy would “continue with conviction to walk alongside Japan to jointly address global challenges, promote growth, security and stability,” and wished “good work to my dear friend Sanae and to the new Japanese Parliament.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote: “Congratulations @takaichi_sanae on your decisive victory in Japan's general election.” He added, “I'm looking forward to working with you to further elevate the strong partnership between Canada and Japan, to create more opportunities for both our peoples.”

Election result strengthens ruling coalition

Kyodo News reported Japan’s ruling LDP secured a two-thirds majority in the 465-member House of Representatives, crossing the 310-seat threshold. This enables the party to pursue constitutional revision and pass legislation even if rejected by the upper House of Councillors, where the coalition remains in a minority.

The LDP is the first postwar Japanese party to achieve such a margin, according to Kyodo News. The landslide result marked a sharp increase from its pre-election strength of 198 seats and was widely attributed to Takaichi’s personal popularity. The LDP and coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (JIP) will together hold a dominant position in the chamber, reinforcing her leadership after she took office in October.