U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi at the Pentagon on Thursday, emphasizing the strength and continuity of the U.S.-Japan alliance amid growing regional security challenges. The meeting, part of a series of engagements between the two leaders over the past three months, included discussions on defense spending, military presence in Japan’s southwestern islands, and ongoing cooperation in the defense industrial sector.
The day began with a joint physical training session at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, where members of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment — known as The Old Guard — joined Hegseth and Koizumi. Hegseth framed the session as a symbolic demonstration of the U.S.-Japan partnership. “We got up and showed the actual physical strength of the U.S.-Japanese alliance,” he said. “By working out together, it demonstrates that our alliance is built on practical, shared effort, and commitment.” Koizumi called the session “a true reflection of the bond of the alliance” and noted that despite briefly feeling dehydrated, the experience reinforced the cooperative spirit between the two militaries.
During the formal Pentagon meeting, Hegseth praised Japan’s commitment to increase defense spending, a decision made last year by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to reach 2% of gross domestic product by the end of the fiscal year — two years ahead of schedule. “We see the strength and the investment that Japan is making, and we think that’s a really important step,” Hegseth said. He emphasized that U.S. policy of “America First” does not mean “America alone,” but rather working alongside allies who invest in shared security and deterrence.
Koizumi described the alliance as “unshakable” and highlighted the importance of coordination in light of rising regional threats. While he declined to provide details on discussions about China, he noted that he and Hegseth reviewed Japan’s proposed fiscal 2026 defense budget of more than ¥9 trillion ($58 billion) and reaffirmed efforts to enhance deterrence across the Indo-Pacific.
Adding a personal note to the official diplomacy, Koizumi shared reflections on the visit in a tweet from the Japan Defense Ministry. He recalled the thoughtful gestures during the Pentagon meetings, including coffee and cookies decorated with U.S. and Japanese flags. Hegseth presented Koizumi with a framed photo taken during the morning training session, underscoring the personal trust and friendship between the two leaders. “This visit truly drove home once again how important it is to build genuine personal trust. Grateful for the friendship,” Koizumi wrote.
“On the return flight home, I’m reflecting on this trip to the United States and jotting down the things that left a particularly strong impression. First, when I met with Secretary Hegseth, there was a framed two-shot photo of us from the very first time we met during his visit to Japan last October, proudly displayed on the wall of the meeting room. Moreover, during the meeting, coffee was served along with cookies—and they were cookies decorated with the Japanese and American flags. When I said they were almost too beautiful to eat, they kindly wrapped them up for me to take home. Then Secretary Hegseth said with a laugh, “The biggest problem right now is deciding which cookie to eat first (lol). So, what are you gonna do? (smirk)” I replied, “You’re really asking the tough questions… seriously…” and gave his arm a light pat, at which point he said, “Actually, I’ve got a surprise present for you,” and brought out a framed photo taken that very morning during our training session. Throughout the entire itinerary, I felt Pete’s (Secretary Hegseth’s) thoughtful consideration at every turn. This visit truly drove home once again how important it is to build genuine personal trust. Grateful for the friendship.”
The talks also touched on plans for Prime Minister Takaichi’s upcoming visit to Washington this spring. Koizumi said he looked forward to ensuring the trip “will be successful” and emphasized the ongoing close communication between U.S. and Japanese leadership. Analysts note that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains a cornerstone of regional stability, particularly amid heightened tensions around Taiwan and China’s growing military assertiveness.
Hegseth and Koizumi’s meeting marks the fourth in-person engagement since Koizumi became Japan’s defense minister in October, demonstrating both leaders’ commitment to reinforcing the alliance. “Strengthening our forces through realistic training and exercises in Japan … is the kind of operational demonstration we need,” Hegseth said. “That is how we bring peace through strength — around the world, here in our hemisphere, and everywhere.”
