Takaichi keeps friends close as China ratchets up diplomatic pressure

International relationsJapan PM visits 11 countries in 10 months, far less than mentor Shinzo AbeJapanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on July 2. © KyodoTAKAKO GAKUTOAugust 16, 2026 09:46 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has visited 11 countries since taking office in October, focusing on allies like the U.S. and like-minded partners in Southeast Asia, aiming to shore up relations amid intensifying criticism on the international stage from China.