US President Donald Trump has given his “complete and total endorsement” to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of Sunday’s (Feb 8) national election, and announced he plans to meet her at the White House on March 19. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, is seeking voter approval for her spending plans, which have unsettled investors, and for a defence buildup that could further strain ties with China. Opinion polls suggest her coalition, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), could secure around 300 of the 465 seats in the lower house—a significant increase from their current slim majority.

Trump praised Takaichi on Truth Social, saying she “deserves powerful recognition” and reaffirming his full support for her and her coalition. Takaichi’s promise to help households cope with rising prices by temporarily suspending the 8% sales tax on food has rattled financial markets. Investors have recently sold Japanese government bonds and weakened the yen due to concerns over funding the estimated five trillion yen ($40 billion) revenue loss. Analysts note, however, that a strong LDP win might still be the least disruptive option compared to other parties proposing even deeper tax cuts and spending. Since becoming prime minister in October, Takaichi has strengthened ties with Trump, hosting him in Tokyo and presenting him with a putter once owned by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Analysts said the meeting underscored the Japan-US alliance.

In November, Trump reportedly asked Takaichi in a private call not to provoke China after she outlined Japan’s potential response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan. A decisive election win could give Takaichi more leverage in this dispute, though Beijing shows no signs of softening. Her plans to boost Japan’s defence have drawn criticism from China, which views them as a revival of Japan’s militarism.

Despite the tensions, Takaichi maintains high approval ratings and has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans buying items like her bag and pink pen. Voter turnout among younger citizens, who traditionally vote less, and extreme weather conditions could influence the election margin. Takaichi has stated she will resign if her coalition loses its majority.

Trump praised her leadership, calling her “strong, powerful, and wise,” noting her devotion to her country. His endorsement is part of a growing trend of attempting to influence foreign elections, following support for Argentine President Javier Milei and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Analysts suggest this reflects a pattern of aligning with right-wing leaders internationally.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AnewZ TV.