Key Facts
• Prime Minister Ishiba sent a letter to President Trump on September 5, 2025.
• The letter proposed building a ‘golden era’ of Japan-US relations.
• Ishiba invited Trump to visit Japan in the letter.
• Japan-US tariff negotiations resulted in reducing automobile tariffs to 15%.
• Ishiba emphasized prioritizing swift US tariff reductions during negotiations.
• The letter was delivered through Minister Akazawa.
• Ishiba stated the negotiations are unrelated to his political future.
• Support measures for domestic industries affected by the agreement were promised.
Summary
Prime Minister Ishiba revealed on September 5, 2025, that he had sent a letter to President Trump, expressing his desire to establish a ‘golden era’ of Japan-US relations. The letter also included an invitation for Trump to visit Japan. The announcement coincided with the conclusion of Japan-US tariff negotiations, which resulted in a reduction of automobile tariffs to 15%. Ishiba highlighted the importance of achieving swift tariff reductions from the US side and clarified that the negotiations were unrelated to his political future. He also assured comprehensive support for domestic industries impacted by the agreement.
