Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi departed on Saturday (June 8, 2026) for her first European tour since taking office in October 2025. The trip is intended to attend talks with leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) major industrialized nations.
According to a statement from the Japanese Prime Minister's Office, the main focus of the trip is to coordinate joint action in response to the current global energy crisis, described as the most severe since the oil crises of the 1970s. Prime Minister Takaichi stressed the need for a common strategy among major economies to ensure energy security and price stability.
During the trip, Ms. Takaichi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with the German Chancellor and French President, alongside full G7 sessions. Other issues, including the situation in the East Sea (South China Sea) and economic cooperation, are also on the agenda.
This is Ms. Takaichi's first European tour since she became Japan's first female prime minister in October last year, marking a significant step in foreign policy aimed at strengthening Tokyo's role on the international stage.
