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This afternoon, May 1, 2026, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae arrived in Hanoi, beginning an official visit to Vietnam from May 1–3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.
At Noi Bai International Airport, the welcoming delegation included Minister and Chief of the Government Office Dang Xuan Phong, the Acting Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu, and Vietnam's Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were senior officials in diplomacy, economics, and defense, including representatives from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economy - Trade and Industry, Agriculture, National Defense, Home Affairs and Communications.
The visit is Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s first to Vietnam since taking office, taking place as the bilateral relationship enters a new development phase. Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu said Vietnam being the first regional destination after her reelection in February highlights Japan’s high regard for the relationship.
The visit is expected to strengthen political trust and promote more substantive cooperation between the two countries. Discussions are expected to focus on economy, science and technology, innovation, energy, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green transformation, and the development of a high-quality workforce.
In addition, the two sides plan to discuss boosting cooperation in supply chains, infrastructure, and high-tech agriculture, while also expanding cultural exchange, tourism, and local cooperation.
Vietnam’s Ambassador Ito Naoki said the visit provides an opportunity for leaders to enhance coordination within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while also addressing regional and international issues of mutual concern.
During the visit, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is expected to hold talks with senior Vietnamese leaders, including General Secretary and President To Lâm, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, and Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man.
Born in 1961 in Nara Prefecture, Ms. Takaichi Sanae is a Kobe University graduate. She previously held several senior positions in the Japanese government before becoming Japan’s 104th Prime Minister in October 2025.
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