The Japanese Prime Minister praised Barron Trump for being handsome like his father

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the evening of March 19 sent birthday wishes to Barron Trump, youngest son of US President Donald Trump, when attending a reception at the White House during his visit to the US.

“Let me start by sending my most sincere congratulations on two important anniversaries,” Ms. Takaichi said before the party started.

“Donald, tomorrow is your son’s birthday, Mr. Barron Trump. I know that he has grown up and become a tall and handsome gentleman,” she turned to the US President through the interpreter.

“When I look at him, I see very clearly where he inherited that appearance from,” Mrs. Takaichi said humorously. “Please, please convey my sincere birthday wishes to him.”

Ms. Takaichi’s clever praise made Mr. Trump and guests at the party laugh. Barron, who was not present at the party, will turn 20 years old on March 20.

Ms. Takaichi, who is often called Japan’s “Iron Lady” because of her tough conservative views, also congratulated the United States on its 250th anniversary.

“America has long been a symbol of freedom and democracy in the world. On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I would like to send my deepest congratulations to you and all the American people,” she said.

The Japanese Prime Minister, a car enthusiast, also mentioned the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix race in Washington this summer in a series of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US Independence.

“This race will bring the roar of Chevrolet and Honda engines to the National Mall,” Ms. Takaichi excitedly introduced.

The IndyCar racing system, which organizes the race sponsored by Japanese corporation NTT, is a “perfect, extremely perfect example, representing the friendship between Japan and the United States,” she said. “So I really hope you will achieve great success at this racing event.”

Ms. Takaichi said that Japan will give the US 250 cherry blossom trees on the occasion of the 250th anniversary and expressed regret that she could not bring a bouquet of cherry blossoms during her visit to the US this time.

“My original plan was to bring a lot of cherry blossoms and hand them to him, but unfortunately because of very strict quarantine measures, I was not able to do that,” she said, gesturing to hug a large bouquet of flowers.

In response, Mr. Trump called Ms. Takaichi a “great friend and partner”, saying the two had become “very close”.

This is the end of Ms. Takaichi’s first visit to the US since taking office as Prime Minister of Japan in October 2025. Mr. Trump went to Japan to visit Ms. Takaichi last year and supported her in the general election in February.