Geopolitical & Security - The US and Japan are strengthening security cooperation and increasing defense funding [1] - Japan is committed to fundamentally reinforcing its defense capabilities to proactively contribute to regional peace and stability [1] - Japan perceives an unprecedented severe security environment, emphasizing that peace cannot be preserved by words alone [1] - The US has approved the first batch of missiles for Japan's F-35 fighters [1] US-Japan Alliance - The US-Japan alliance is considered one of the most remarkable relationships in the world [1] - The US-Japan security treaty gives the US use of military bases in Japan, which are key assets for projecting power in the Asia-Pacific region [1] - The US views the security agreement as unfair because it obliges the US to defend Japan without a reciprocal commitment from Japan to help protect the US [1] Trade & Economic Considerations - Trade tensions initiated by the US have caused some nervousness in Japan regarding its relationship with the US [1]