TOKYO, JAPAN – During his visit to Japan earlier today, President Donald Trump met with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in their first meeting since Takaichi was elected (see
USA Rice Daily, October 23, 2025). The meeting was filled with pleasantries and good-will including the signing of two proclamations towards a new golden age of the U.S. -Japan alliance and strengthening cooperation on expanding supply chain for rare earth metals.
Prime Minister Takaichi then hosted President Trump and the U.S. delegation for lunch that included U.S. rice on the menu. This comes on the heels of Japan’s implementation of the recent trade agreement that includes commitments to increase purchases of U.S. rice within their existing World Trade Organization quota.
“We are excited to see both U.S. rice and beef on the menu for the lunch hosted by Prime Minister Takaichi for President Trump,” said USA Rice President & CEO Peter Bachmann. “After more than 30 years of working in the Japanese market, this offering is the first of its kind and signals the advancement of strong diplomatic relations between both countries when they serve two politically sensitive commodities as part of their first visit. We appreciate the dedication of our U.S. diplomats and U.S. Ambassador George Glass, who over the years have paved the way for this monumental occasion.”