US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi [AP Yonhap News]

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to express her intention to participate in the U.S.'s next-generation aerial missile defense system, "Golden Dawn," during a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled to be held in the United States on the 19th (local time).

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 13th, the Japanese government is coordinating a plan to convey its intention to participate in Golden Dawn, which the United States plans to operate before January 2029, ahead of the U.S.-Japan summit.

Golden Dawn is a system that detects and intercepts intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) launched toward the U.S. mainland using satellites and radar. It is a concept designed to protect the U.S. from hypersonic missiles and drones being developed by China and Russia.

Japan appears to be aiming to enhance its deterrence against China and Russia by participating in Golden Dawn through joint development of interceptor missiles and cooperation in building a satellite network.

The U.S. and Japan are already jointly developing a new missile, the "glide phase interceptor missile," to intercept hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs). The target completion date for development is the 2030s.

In addition, the Japanese government plans to establish a "satellite constellation" system that collects information by operating multiple small satellites by the end of March 2028. To this end, Japan plans to launch satellites in stages starting from April.

It is also known that Japan is considering sharing satellite information with the U.S. in the future.

Regarding Japan's intention to participate in Golden Dawn, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported, "It is an idea to utilize Golden Dawn for its own defense," adding, "It is expected that the two leaders will confirm the steady progress of joint missile development during this summit."

However, there are also skeptical views as to whether the consultation between the two countries will lead to results, as there are opinions that the feasibility of Golden Dawn is somewhat uncertain and its effectiveness is questionable.

Kyodo News reported that President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi are also expected to discuss increasing missile production, possibly with Patriot missiles in mind, and expanding the sharing of classified information between the U.S. military and the Self-Defense Forces during their meeting.

Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to convey the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance through these discussions with President Trump, but consultations on the Middle East situation and China issues may encounter difficulties.

Japan, while refraining from directly evaluating the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, has supported the U.S. by criticizing Iran's nuclear development.

Nevertheless, Prime Minister Takaichi has maintained a cautious stance, stating that she is not considering sending Self-Defense Forces to the region for mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Sankei Shimbun speculated that Prime Minister Takaichi might be forced into a difficult choice, as "President Trump may request cooperation on clearing mines laid in the Strait of Hormuz."

In contrast, regarding China, it is analyzed that Japan may hope for U.S. support, while the U.S. might take a lukewarm attitude.

Japan has been in sharp confrontation with China since Prime Minister Takaichi hinted at "intervention in case of a Taiwan contingency" in the National Diet last November, but President Trump has shown a conciliatory stance towards China ahead of his visit to China in late March.

The Sankei Shimbun reported, "Prime Minister Takaichi intends to explain China's military threat to President Trump and seek his understanding on the necessity of continued U.S. engagement in the Asia-Pacific region."

Some views suggest that economic security, such as strengthening supply chains for critical minerals, is at the core of this summit. A senior official from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Sankei Shimbun, "What is important in this summit is economic security," adding, "We must elevate U.S.-Japan cooperation to a higher level."

In this regard, Kyodo News reported that the U.S. and Japanese governments are considering a joint investment in a project to secure rare earth elements from the seabed near Minamitorishima Island in the Pacific Ocean, south of Honshu.

It is likely that an arrangement will be discussed where each country provides funds, and Japan, which has a technological advantage in rare earth mining and processing, will be responsible for those aspects. There is also a possibility of a contract being made for Japan to sell processed rare earth elements to the U.S.

Last month, Japan conducted its first exploratory excavation of mud containing rare earth elements in the deep sea within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near Minamitorishima Island and plans to assess its economic viability before March 2028.

Kyodo News explained that the two countries aim to reduce their dependence on China for rare earths by promoting stronger cooperation in resource development, thereby increasing their economic leverage against China.