Tokyo, January 16, 2026 – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni announced a significant upgrade in bilateral relations on Friday, elevating the existing "strategic partnership" between Japan and Italy to a "special strategic partnership." The announcement came during a summit meeting in Tokyo, where the two leaders emphasized deepened cooperation in economic security, defense, supply chains for critical minerals, and other key areas, coinciding with the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The meeting marked Takaichi's first bilateral engagement with a European leader in Japan since assuming office in October 2025 as Japan's first female prime minister and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Meloni, who arrived in Tokyo on Thursday, January 15, for a three-day official working visit, described the discussions as a milestone in fostering closer ties amid a global landscape marked by instability, geopolitical challenges, and opportunities for like-minded democracies.
At a joint press conference following their talks at the Prime Minister's Office, Takaichi highlighted the agreement to enhance economic security cooperation, particularly by strengthening resilient supply chains for critical minerals. "We agreed that cooperating to strengthen the resilience of our critical mineral supply chains is of utmost urgency," she stated, underscoring shared concerns over vulnerabilities in global mineral markets, where China dominates production and processing of many essential resources like rare earths, lithium, and cobalt. These minerals are vital for advanced technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy components, batteries, and defense systems.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to diversification and fair competition in mineral supply chains, aligning with broader G7 efforts to reduce dependency on single suppliers and counter economic coercion. This focus builds on existing frameworks, including Japan's long-standing initiatives through organizations like JOGMEC and international agreements aimed at sustainable, responsible sourcing.
The upgrade to a "special strategic partnership" reflects a qualitative leap in bilateral engagement. The joint statement and discussions outlined intensified collaboration across multiple domains: security, including continued progress on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) for next-generation fighter jets developed jointly with the United Kingdom; defense logistics under the Japan-Italy Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which entered into force in September 2025; and cultural, scientific, and technological exchanges in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors, and biomanufacturing.
Takaichi noted that cooperation between the two countries has been "steadily progressing across a wide range of fields," and expressed hope to leverage the historic 160th anniversary—commemorating the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1866—as an opportunity to reaffirm and deepen their "special relationship." Meloni echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that in an era where instability has become the norm, "Italy and Japan can make a difference together" by defending a free, just, and open international order rooted in shared values from ancient civilizations.
The visit also highlighted personal rapport between the two conservative women leaders. Meloni, marking her birthday on January 16 (the day of key meetings), received warm congratulations from Takaichi, who noted the symbolic significance of the "first two women to lead their peoples." Social media in Japan buzzed with references to the "SanaMelo Summit," with Meloni posting an anime-style selfie expressing "friendship and rapport."
Economically, the partnership builds on robust trade ties. Japan ranks as Italy's third-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade volume reaching approximately $11.6 billion (around €10-11 billion in recent estimates). Efforts will focus on expanding industrial partnerships, direct investment, and trade flows in high-tech sectors, while improving the investment environment in both countries through mechanisms like the Italy-Japan Business Group.
Meloni's Asia tour, which began in Oman and concludes with a weekend visit to South Korea, underscores Italy's strategic pivot toward the Indo-Pacific. The Japan leg aligns with Rome's broader foreign policy to enhance global influence through pragmatic partnerships, security coordination, and industrial collaboration. Discussions also touched on regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific, East China Sea, South China Sea, and support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The summit reflects growing alignment among G7 nations in addressing shared challenges, from supply chain resilience to defense innovation. With Japan under Takaichi—a hardline conservative known for her emphasis on national security, U.S. alliance strengthening, and defense buildup—and Italy under Meloni, both leaders prioritize sovereignty, stability, and prosperity in an uncertain world.
As the two countries prepare to advance their Action Plan and consultative mechanisms, including on space cooperation, the upgraded partnership positions Japan and Italy as key contributors to a rules-based international order, economic security, and technological progress.
