The Japanese prime minister gets much needed reassurances that his country is still America's top ally.

Summary

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s meeting with Donald Trump was surprisingly smooth, avoiding controversy or confrontation.

To prepare, Ishiba held study sessions and sought advice from predecessors. Ishiba’s homework paid off.

The two leaders agreed on trade and defense cooperation, with Japan pledging $1 trillion in U.S. investments and boosting LNG imports.

Trump welcomed Nippon Steel’s planned investment in U.S. Steel. For Ishiba, the visit was a political win, bolstering his shaky leadership.