Following the summit meeting held at the White House on the 19th (local time), the Japanese government has assessed the meeting as successful.

According to local media on the 21st, Ryosei Akazawa, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, who attended the summit, posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account the previous day, stating, "The talks were successful." He further described it as a "historic meeting that showed the two leaders were friendly throughout and that the two countries are special partners amidst a tense global situation."

US and Japanese leaders shaking hands [AP Yonhap News]

Shinjiro Koizumi, the Minister of Defense, also told reporters he met while on a regional business trip on the same day that it was "fine to call it a success."

In particular, he emphasized that the agreement to increase production of the improved interceptor missile "SM-3 Block IIA" will "undoubtedly lead to the strengthening of the Japan-US alliance and enhanced deterrence and response capabilities."

In relation to this, the Asahi Shimbun reported, "The Japanese government is relieved that President Donald Trump of the United States did not explicitly demand the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces for the safety of the Strait of Hormuz."

However, it also pointed out, "It appears to be nothing more than a temporary measure to win favor by repeatedly praising President Trump and increasing investment and imports to the US."

Although the actual meeting and dinner proceeded in a smooth atmosphere, it is reported that President Donald Trump requested Japan's contribution to the navigation safety of the Strait of Hormuz during the private talks.

This means that the challenging issue surrounding the Strait of Hormuz still remains for the Japanese government.

The Nikkei Shimbun diagnosed, "The talks concluded without major incident, but Prime Minister Suga has taken on a heavy task, such as contributing to Middle East stability." The newspaper added, "While there are voices of relief from the Japanese government, it is unclear how long concrete countermeasures can be postponed."