Japanese FM to Attend Trump's Presidential Inauguration

Japanese Foreign Minister (FM) Takeshi Iwaya will attend Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States on January 20, according to a Japanese government source. The visit aims to strengthen Japan’s relations with the new administration.

Japan’s Kyodo News Agency reported on Saturday that the trip is intended to pave the way for talks between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Trump following the latter’s swearing-in for his second presidential term.

The Japanese government has received an invitation to the inauguration, the source added. Traditionally, Japan is represented at U.S. presidential inaugurations by its ambassador in Washington.

During Iwaya’s visit to the U.S., he plans to explore the possibility of talks with Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated as Secretary of State and awaits Senate confirmation.

Kyodo also noted that Trump invited the Chinese President to the inauguration ceremony, an unusual move as it is not customary to invite foreign heads of state to such events.