On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Japan on the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan's birthday on February 23.
President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi have ushered in a new golden age of U.S.-Japan relations. The United States and Japan share an extraordinary Alliance rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. The U.S.-Japan Alliance remains the cornerstone of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States and Japan stand shoulder-to-shoulder in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Over the past year, we have deepened our cooperation on security, economic resilience, advanced technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Millions of exchanges - through business, education, tourism, and cultural engagement - bind our societies together and ensure that our partnership will endure for generations to come. Together, we are strengthening our deterrence capabilities, enhancing interoperability between our forces, and ensuring our Alliance is ready to meet any challenge. We are also securing supply chains of critical minerals and other materials, advancing innovation, and promoting fair and reciprocal trade.
May the year ahead further strengthen the bonds between our nations, and may the Reiwa Era continue to bring peace, health, and prosperity to Japan.
