Trump Says "Having a Meeting with Ishiba"...work, prudence on the burden of defense costs

Regarding U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's mention that he may meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba early, Japanese media reported that prudence prevails within the Japanese government.

"We value Japan very much," Trump told reporters on the 16th local time, adding that he would "do so if he wants" to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba before taking office.

Japanese government spokesman Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi welcomed the meeting at a press conference yesterday and said the meeting would be possible at a "good time for both sides."

In response, the Asahi Shimbun reported the atmosphere in Japan, saying, "It is unclear whether early talks will materialize."

Citing multiple Japanese foreign ministry officials, the newspaper added that "it is better to talk calmly" or "there is no need to rush."

"Prime Minister Ishiba has been seeking talks since his visit to South America in November, but Trump has refused," Asahi said. "It is difficult to predict Trump's attitude when they meet face-to-face, and there are concerns that they will suddenly have unfavorable discussions."

Yomiuri also quoted a Japanese government official as saying, "If we hold talks in a hurry before taking office, we may be given the task of increasing the burden of defense costs."

Japanese media also called Trump's nomination of George Glass, the former ambassador to Portugal, who has little contact with Japan, as a public figure.The Nihon Keizai Shimbun,

, analyzed, "Glass's nomination has supported the presidential election in terms of funds, and has expressed an attitude that he will value transactional diplomacy with allies Japan."