Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi received mixed reactions in parliament on Tuesday following her recent diplomatic engagements, which included hosting U.S. President Donald Trump. While her efforts were lauded by some, opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda criticized her for what he termed ‘flattery diplomacy to the extreme,’ particularly regarding her plans to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, held a summit with Trump just a week after assuming office and participated in two regional summits. Noda acknowledged her ‘big smiles’ and ‘energy,’ which earned Trump’s praise, but questioned her judgment in light of Trump’s controversial suggestion to resume nuclear testing—a sensitive issue in Japan given its history. Takaichi did not comment on whether she would proceed with the nomination. Meanwhile, her recent talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung, aimed at fostering stable relations, have been well-received. Takaichi has softened her previously hawkish stance, skipping a visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine and donating a religious ornament instead. Her approval ratings remain high, hovering around 80%, though her Liberal Democratic Party’s support remains stagnant at 20-30%. Takaichi’s government also launched a ministerial meeting to address foreigner-related issues, including investment, labor, and tourism, while distancing itself from xenophobia. Additionally, she initiated a task force to drive economic growth through public-private investment in key sectors like AI, semiconductors, and defense. During Trump’s visit, Takaichi reinforced her ties with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and pledged to usher in a ‘golden age’ of Japan-U.S. relations.