Japan’s Ishiba faces balancing act in first meeting with Trump

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivers a policy speech marking the start of this year's parliamentary session in Tokyo, Jan. 24, 2025.

When Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba meets with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, his goal, according to Japanese officials, will be straightforward: reaffirm the U.S.-Japan alliance and build a strong rapport with Trump.