German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke on Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. According to the German government’s spokesman Stefan Kornelius, the two leaders discussed the current geopolitical climate, the situation in the Middle East, trade, and critical raw materials.

Both agreed to further deepen the friendly ties between Germany and Japan and underscored how vital the partnership is within the G7 and G20.

Takaichi has been Japan’s prime minister since October 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the post in the country’s history. Her party won a landslide victory in the early 2025 lower‑house elections.