In her first policy address, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi set out her ambitions to fulfill the political legacy of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region, strengthening defense and foreign policy, and returning Japan to a key role on the world stage.
She also proposed strategically expanding the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to include more members and deepening ties with ASEAN nations.
In her first policy address to the Diet on Friday (October 24), Takaichi emphasized the need to develop diplomacy and security from a strategic perspective.
She said, "Historic shifts in the balance of power and intensified geopolitical competition have severely impacted the free, open, and stable international order. Furthermore, the military developments of China, North Korea, and Russia are also a cause for concern. We must bear in mind the last words of former Prime Minister Abe and continue to vigorously promote a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' as a pillar of our diplomacy, evolving it with the times. Within this vision, we will strive to strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries that share fundamental values, as well as with countries in the Global South."
US President Trump will visit Japan next Tuesday (28th). In her speech, Takaichi stated, "We must elevate the Japan-US alliance to new heights and expand deterrence. At the same time, we must use the Japan-US alliance as a cornerstone to deepen multilateral security cooperation, including with Japan-US-South Korea, Japan-US-Philippines, and Japan-US-Australia-India."
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She announced that the goal of increasing defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), originally scheduled for fiscal 2027, will be brought forward to this fiscal year. To expedite plans such as military purchases, she also plans to revise three security documents, including the National Security Strategy, by the end of 2026.
Regarding China, she stated that it is an important neighbor of Japan and that a constructive and stable relationship must be established. However, she also expressed concern about issues such as economic security between Japan and China.
Takaichi stated that we will promote candid dialogue between the leaders of Japan and China and comprehensively advance a "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests."
Takaichi mentioned the need for a "strong economy" six times in her speech, fully demonstrating her determination to strengthen Japan's industry. She announced the establishment of a dedicated think tank to implement economic growth and support emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, shipbuilding, and quantum technology. She believes that developing technologies related to economic security can pave the way for Japanese companies to expand globally.
According to the Nikkei Shimbun, Takaichi plans to sign a memorandum of understanding on scientific and technological cooperation with the US during Trump's visit, covering areas such as AI and nuclear fusion energy technology.
Takaichi is also concerned about the safety of foreigners in Japan and has appointed 42-year-old Minister of Economic Security, Norihime Onoda, to develop solutions.
Takaichi stated, "A declining population has led to a labor shortage. Some sectors in Japan need foreign talent, and inbound tourists are also important to Japan. However, the irregularities committed by some foreigners do cause public concern and create a sense of injustice. The government does not advocate xenophobia, but will require foreigners to comply with existing regulations. We will also accelerate the development of regulations regarding land purchases by foreigners."
