Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in New York late Monday night to participate in the United Nations General Assembly session. Traveling on a government jet from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, her arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport marks the beginning of a series of high-level meetings during the international gathering.
Takaichi is set to deliver her first address at the General Assembly’s general debate. In her speech, she plans to outline Japan’s economic and energy cooperation strategy focused on Gulf countries, a response shaped by recent developments in the Middle East. She is expected to emphasize Japan’s commitment to stabilizing global energy supplies amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
Ahead of the UN address, Takaichi spoke with reporters at the prime minister’s residence in Tokyo, affirming her intent to highlight Japan’s leadership role in strengthening supply chains, particularly for energy, and addressing emerging technological challenges such as artificial intelligence.
The cooperation plan targeting Gulf nations has already been introduced during a visit by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi to Saudi Arabia and Oman in late August. This initiative is part of Japan’s broader strategy to reinforce economic ties and regional stability amid shifting global dynamics.
This year also marks the 70th anniversary of Japan joining the United Nations, a milestone Takaichi plans to acknowledge by reaffirming Japan’s support for multilateralism centered around the UN. Besides Middle East developments, her speech will cover Japan’s perspectives on situations in Asia, Ukraine, and other international issues. She is poised to express commitment toward advancing UN Security Council reform, promoting disarmament and nonproliferation, and supporting efforts to combat climate change.
In addition to her UN address, Takaichi is scheduled to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of a major U.S.-China summit taking place later this week in the United States. During their meeting, Takaichi aims to align Japan and U.S. positions on China and is expected to urge Trump to avoid concluding any agreements with China that could undermine Japan’s interests.
Other potential points of discussion include the U.S. sanctions imposed on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and Japan’s domestic fiscal and monetary policies. Takaichi is also expected to meet with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other international officials during her stay.
Originally slated to depart Tokyo at 7 p.m. Monday, the Japanese prime minister’s flight departure was delayed until 11 p.m. due to Typhoon Dujuan. Takaichi plans to return to Japan on Thursday following the completion of her engagements in New York.