Trump Receives Golf Putter from Japan’s PM Takaichi Amid New Deal

During a recent meeting in Tokyo, U.S. President Donald Trump was presented with a golf putter that belonged to the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This gesture came from newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has taken office following Abe’s assassination in March 2022. The meeting was marked by the signing of an agreement that allows for the mining and processing of rare-earth elements and other minerals between the two nations.

Trump and Abe shared a close friendship, often bonding over their mutual love of golf. Following Abe’s death, Trump hosted his widow, Akie Abe, at his Mar-a-Lago estate, a move that Takaichi publicly appreciated. As Trump shook hands with Takaichi, he remarked, “He was a great friend of mine and a great friend of yours,” emphasizing the enduring ties between their respective administrations.

Significant Gifts Exchange

In addition to the putter, Takaichi presented other gifts, including a signed golf bag from Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters Tournament winner, and a gold-leaf golf ball. Both leaders signed baseball caps featuring the slogan “JAPAN IS BACK,” a phrase that originated from Abe and has now been embraced by Takaichi as part of her administration’s messaging.

The meeting coincided with the trial of the man accused of assassinating Abe, which was held in Nara, Japan, on October 3, 2023. Political analysts suggest that Takaichi’s engagement with Trump is crucial for her minority government, as maintaining a positive relationship with the former U.S. President could bolster her position domestically and internationally.

Trump’s Ongoing Asian Tour

Trump is currently on a tour of Asia, where he has visited Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia, engaging with their leaders to promote peace accords and trade agreements. Analysts describe this tour as historic, highlighting Trump’s focus on slashing trade barriers and securing critical mineral deals, which are essential for various industries.

The gifts from Takaichi are part of a broader trend, as Trump has recently received various golfing items from international figures. On his last visit to Qatar, he received a set of golf clubs, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gifted him a golf club that once belonged to a wounded Ukrainian soldier. Such gestures appear aimed at gaining favor with Trump, who continues to wield significant influence on the world stage.

As the dynamics of international relations evolve, Takaichi’s efforts to strengthen ties with Trump through personal gestures may prove pivotal for Japan’s political landscape.