Trump and other world leaders congratulate Japan PM Takaichi on election win

TOKYO – US President Donald Trump on Feb 8 congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on her coalition’s election win, wishing her “great success in passing your Conservative, Peace Through Strength Agenda” in a social media post.

Ms Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader,

swept to a historic election win on Feb 8,

paving the way for promised tax cuts that have spooked financial markets and military spending aimed at countering China.

Mr Trump wrote that it was “my honour to endorse you”. He had endorsed Ms Takaichi on Feb 6.

“She is a highly respected and very popular leader,” he wrote. “Sanae’s bold and wise decision to call for an election paid off big time.”

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Ms Takaichi, saying he hoped her victory would “bring a more prosperous and secure future for Japan and its partners in the region”.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also congratulated Ms Takaichi on Feb 9 for her party’s election victory, and wished Japan continued success under her leadership.

He said in a social media message that he hoped to see her soon in South Korea, as the two leaders engage in shuttle diplomacy.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the strong mandate reflected public confidence in Ms Takaichi’s vision for Japan’s economic renewal as he congratulated her in a Facebook post on Feb 9.

Referring to Ms Takaichi’s pledge to “work, work, work, work and work” for Japan, Datuk Seri Anwar said he looked forward to working just as closely with her to strengthen bilateral ties further.

He noted that Ms Takaichi had visited Malaysia in October 2025 for the Asean-led summits just days after assuming office.

“During her visit, she engaged with genuine commitment and enthusiasm on issues that matter to both our countries, including economic resilience, the green transition and maritime security,” said Mr Anwar. REUTERS, THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK