STORY: U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for a dinner at the White House on Thursday (March 19), marking her first official visit to Washington.

Trump praised the U.S.-Japan relationship and highlighted a recent trade agreement, saying it would expand cooperation in areas including energy, semiconductors and defense.

"Tonight, I’m delighted to welcome a great friend and partner," Trump said, adding that the two leaders had grown "very close".

Takaichi underscored the longstanding ties between the United States and Japan, pointing to the symbolic importance of cherry trees in Washington as a sign of friendship.

Japan donated 250 additional cherry trees to mark the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, calling them a reminder of the "timeless bond" between the two nations.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

Trump hosts Japan PM Takaichi for dinner in Washington

VIDEO SHOWS: SOUNDBITES FROM U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AND JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER SANAE TAKAICHI DURING DINNER GALA

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (MARCH 19, 2026) (U.S. NETWORK POOL - No use USA)

1. U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AND JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER SANAE TAKAICHI WALKING TO LECTERN

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"Tonight, I'm delighted to welcome a great friend and partner for her very first visit to the White House. We've become very close, so close that I endorsed her for her election."

3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"On my visit to Tokyo last year, we reached a historic trade deal that will increase our cooperation on everything from energy to semiconductors and shipbuilding and pharmaceuticals. It was a big one, one of the biggest deals ever made. The United States is also encouraged to see the steps the Prime Minister is taking to expand her country's commitment to its own security and defense. And buying a lot of our defense equipment I'm happy to tell you."

4. U.S. VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE AMONG GUESTS

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER, SANAE TAKAICHI, SAYING:

“Now, in Washington, D.C., Japan’s cherry blossoms have long signaled the arrival of spring while also symbolizing the history of friendship between Japan and the United States.”

6. SECRETARY OF TREASURY, SCOTT BESSENT AND PALANTIR CEO, ALEX KARP, AMONG GUESTS

7. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"And this year, we're honored to receive an additional 250 cherry trees. And they're very big, beautiful trees from the great people of Japan in recognition of America's 250th anniversary. And they will remind every future generation of our timeless bond, and they'll be planted near and around the Washington Monument. And it's going to be something very special. They've already started the planting, but it's 250 beautiful specimen trees. And we'll get you over here. We'll check them out after they're planted. We'll get you back."

8. U.S. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, HOWARD LUTNICK (LEFT, TABLE BEHIND), AMONG GUESTS

9. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"Americans and Japanese come from opposite sides of the globe, but since the earliest days of commerce between our two countries, we've always recognized that despite obvious differences, we share a great deal in common."

10. SECRETARY OF STATE, MARCO RUBIO AND GOOGLE CEO SUNDAR PICHAI (LEFT), AMONG GUESTS

11. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"You look, no matter where you go, you see this and ultimately made our nations into strong allies and very close friends. Our partnership has made both the United States and Japan stronger, freer and more successful than virtually any other nation on the planet. And under the leadership of the Prime Minister and myself, I know we will soon make that partnership even stronger and better than ever before. We have that relationship and actually it started quite a while ago."

12. TAKAICHI LISTENING TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION

13. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

"So let us stand together with the strength and dignity purpose. Let us keep our people safe. Our nations prospering, and our alliance flourishing for many, many generations to come. And with that, I'd just like to thank the Prime Minister. This is a spectacular woman, and it's an honor to have you with us at the White House. Thank you." / TRUMP AND TAKAICHI SHAKING HANDS

14. (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER, SANAE TAKAICHI, SAYING:

“As Donald has already mentioned, this year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As the United States - having long demonstrated to the world the ideals of freedom and democracy - reaches this historic milestone, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Government of Japan and the people of Japan.”

15. TAKAICHI LISTENING TO ENGLISH TRANSLATION

16. TAKAICHI SAYING (English): "Japan is back." / TAKAICHI AND TRUMP SMILING

17. GUESTS APPLAUDING