Tokyo/Washington, October 29, 2025:
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again captured global attention after being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the second time in a single week, this time by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The nomination, which comes during Trump’s ongoing Asia visit, is being viewed as a symbolic gesture highlighting Japan’s growing alignment with the former U.S. leader’s international vision and policies.
Japan Steps Forward: “Trump Helped Strengthen Peace and Stability”
The Japanese Prime Minister officially confirmed her government’s recommendation for Donald Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination during a joint press conference in Tokyo.
According to a statement released by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the nomination was made in recognition of Trump’s “continued efforts to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Takaichi praised Trump’s diplomatic initiatives during his previous presidency, particularly his “courageous dialogue” with North Korea, his contribution to Middle East negotiations, and his commitment to maintaining balance in Asia through defense and trade alliances.
“President Trump’s role in promoting stability in regions of conflict and strengthening the U.S.–Japan alliance deserves recognition on the global stage,” said Prime Minister Takaichi.
A Week of Diplomatic Triumphs
This marks Trump’s second Nobel Peace Prize nomination in just one week. Earlier, the Cambodian government had also recommended his name for the award, citing his mediation efforts in Southeast Asia and his recent initiatives to reduce border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
During his ongoing Asia visit, Trump has held high-level talks with leaders from Japan, Cambodia, and South Korea, focusing on trade, technology, and regional peace. Observers note that these nominations appear to coincide with a renewed diplomatic push by Trump, who has been actively rebuilding international relationships since leaving office.
Why Japan’s Nomination Matters
Japan’s decision carries significant diplomatic weight.
As one of the United States’ closest allies in Asia, Tokyo’s nomination is seen as a major endorsement of Trump’s global image as a peace broker. The move also signals Japan’s intention to strengthen ties with the U.S. amid growing security concerns in the Pacific, particularly due to rising Chinese assertiveness.
Political analyst Kenji Sato from Tokyo University said, This nomination is both political and symbolic. Japan is sending a message that it values Trump’s approach to security and his willingness to engage directly with world leaders, even adversaries.”
The “Golden Age” of U.S.–Japan Relations
During his visit, Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi announced a “Golden Age of U.S.–Japan relations”, unveiling new agreements on rare-earth minerals, defense cooperation, and digital infrastructure. The agreements are designed to reduce both countries’ reliance on China for critical materials, strengthening economic and strategic resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.
Japanese officials described the collaboration as “historic,” marking a new chapter in bilateral relations. Our alliance with the United States is now stronger, deeper, and more strategic than ever before,said Takaichi. It is only fitting that we recognize a leader who contributed to this enduring partnership.
Trump’s Longstanding Quest for the Nobel Prize
Donald Trump’s fascination with the Nobel Peace Prize isn’t new.
During his first term, he often expressed disappointment at not receiving the award for his efforts in facilitating talks between North and South Korea, as well as for the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Although those efforts earned him nominations from certain Norwegian and Swedish lawmakers in 2020 and 2021, he never won the award.
In his speech in Tokyo, Trump appeared humbled by Japan’s gesture, stating: It’s an honor to be recognized by Japan, a nation that has stood beside us through peace and prosperity. We’ve done great things together and we’ll keep doing them.
Mixed Global Reactions
The news of Trump’s second nomination quickly spread across international media, sparking mixed reactions. Supporters hailed it as a “well-deserved recognition” of his leadership and diplomacy, while critics accused his allies of politicizing the Nobel Peace Prize.
Political commentators in the United States noted that such nominations may also serve to boost Trump’s global image ahead of upcoming political contests. Meanwhile, the Nobel Committee in Norway has maintained its stance of not commenting on nominations, emphasizing that official lists are confidential for 50 years.
Critics argue that the nominations are more about political symbolism than actual achievements.
Several foreign-policy experts have pointed out that Trump’s peace initiatives often lacked long-term follow-through, and many of the agreements signed during his presidency have since lost traction.
American journalist Rachel Stone, writing for The Washington Post, observed: The back-to-back nominations seem designed to rebrand Trump as a global peace advocate during his Asia tour. But whether these symbolic gestures translate into genuine international support remains to be seen.
Japan’s nomination also reflects broader geopolitical motives.
Amid growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific including tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait Tokyo seeks to project its influence by aligning with strong U.S. leadership figures.
By endorsing Trump, Japan reinforces the narrative of a united front between democratic allies, especially in countering Chinese and North Korean aggression.
At the same time, it also highlights Japan’s intent to remain a proactive voice in global peace discussions.
The Nobel Peace Prize nomination process remains secretive.
Each year, thousands of qualified individuals including lawmakers, university professors, and past laureates can propose candidates. Nominations for the 2026 Peace Prize will close in January, after which the Norwegian Nobel Committee will deliberate before announcing the winner in October 2026. Even though Trump’s nomination doesn’t guarantee victory, experts believe it adds prestige to his international standing. If chosen, he would become only the second U.S. president in history to win multiple nominations while out of office.
The nomination comes at a critical time when the world is facing escalating conflicts, from Eastern Europe to the Middle East.
Trump’s renewed involvement in global diplomacy especially his efforts to de-escalate trade wars and regional tensions could reshape international perceptions of U.S. leadership. Political observers suggest that Trump’s back-to-back nominations may also push other leaders to engage more directly in peace initiatives, potentially sparking a new wave of competitive diplomacy across Asia.
For Japan, this move signals an ambitious attempt to reclaim its diplomatic leadership in Asia.
For Trump, it’s a validation of his continuing influence on world affairs even as a former president. Whether or not he wins the Nobel Peace Prize, the narrative is already working in his favor: Donald Trump is once again being discussed as a global figure of peace, influence, and controversy.
As the world watches closely, Trump’s latest nomination highlights the intersection of politics, diplomacy, and perception. While supporters see it as a deserved acknowledgment of his peace-building efforts, skeptics dismiss it as a carefully timed political maneuver. Regardless of which side prevails, one thing is certain Donald Trump’s presence on the global diplomatic stage is far from over. His America First” slogan may now be evolving into something broader: “Peace First.”
