US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of Sunday’s snap election, describing her as a “strong, powerful, and wise leader” who “truly loves her country” and “will not let the people of Japan down,” according to a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Trump’s public support for a foreign leader is unusual, but he has previously endorsed international politicians, including Argentina’s Javier Milei and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Analysts say the endorsement signals continued US backing for Takaichi amid ongoing regional tensions and efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

Takaichi, 64, became Japan’s first female prime minister in October after winning her party’s leadership and securing parliamentary support. She called the election to seek a public mandate. Her government has courted Washington following prior US trade tensions, including Trump’s threatened 25% tariffs, which were later reduced to 15% after Japan agreed to invest $550 billion in the US.

Trump and Takaichi share close views on defence and security, advocating increased Japanese military spending. During his visit to Tokyo, Takaichi hosted Trump at the Akasaka Palace and aboard the USS George Washington, where the leaders signed agreements on rare earths and heralded a “new golden era” of US-Japan relations. Takaichi described Trump as a “partner in a new golden era” and praised his role in Middle East peace efforts.

The endorsement also carries geopolitical weight amid heightened tensions with China over Taiwan. Beijing has criticized Takaichi for suggesting Japan could respond militarily if China attacked the self-governed island, a statement she has refused to retract.

Winning Sunday’s election will give Takaichi a public mandate, but her leadership will be judged on managing Japan’s stagnant economy and balancing relations with its key allies, the US and China.

With inputs from BBC