The prime minister is expected to announce Tokyo’s participation in the US’ ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system when she meets Trump
2-MIN READ2-MINBloombergandAgence France-PressePublished: 11:26am, 13 Mar 2026Updated: 11:43am, 13 Mar 2026A video showing Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi looking visibly exhausted after a budget committee session on Thursday went viral online, sparking concerns over her well-being ahead of a trip to the US to meet President Donald Trump.Takaichi had cold-like symptoms and was advised to rest by doctors, ultimately skipping some meetings with local Middle Eastern ambassadors on Thursday, according to local media.
“Yesterday, the prime minister suspected she had a cold, so she was examined by a medical officer and rested at her official residence as a precaution,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference on Friday. “I understand she has already recovered and will be carrying out her official duties as scheduled today.”
