Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed to elevate their countries' ties to a "special strategic partnership" during a summit in Tokyo on January 16, 2026. This upgrade coincides with the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations and marks Takaichi's first meeting with a European leader since taking office in October 2025. The pact emphasizes deeper cooperation in defense, critical minerals supply chains, space, and advanced technologies to counter China's economic pressures, including recent export restrictions on rare earths to Japan.

Critical Minerals and Economic Security Take Center Stage

Talks prioritized resilient supply chains for rare earths after China's January 6, 2026, ban on dual-use goods exports to Japan and subsequent restrictions on Japanese firms. Takaichi stressed the "utmost urgency" of collaboration, linking it to her prior comments on potential military responses in a Taiwan crisis. Leaders also advanced the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) trilateral fighter jet project with the UK, targeting 2035 deployment, alongside planned Italian naval port calls in Japan this August-September.

First Female Leaders Find Common Ground

As barrier-breaking conservative women, Meloni and Takaichi used first names—"Gi" and "Se"—and celebrated personal rapport; Takaichi gifted Hello Kitty items for Meloni's birthday the day prior. Meloni posted an anime-style selfie on X, fueling Japan's "SanaMelo Summit" hashtag trend during the anniversary festivities. Their shared distinction as first female leaders in their nations underscored a "great responsibility," fostering genuine friendship beyond policy.

A Broader Indo-Pacific Strategy

The joint statement linked Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security, establishing a new space cooperation body and tech ties in AI, semiconductors, and biotech. Bilateral trade surpasses 10 billion euros yearly, with commitments to economic resilience via supply chain support and investment climates. Meloni, en route from Oman to South Korea, hailed the "rapidly evolving" bond, navigating US policy shifts under President Trump by reducing reliance on American defense programs like GCAP.