Giorgia Meloni posts anime selfie with Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi as Tokyo celebrates her birthday | WATCH

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni found a new best friend in her Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi after the latter brought cake, gifts and even sang happy birthday to the Italian leader. The two world leaders made the moment memorable by snapping a selfie together.

Meloni later shared the anime version of the photograph with the caption: “Two distant nations, but ever closer. Friendship and harmony.” The 64-year-old Takaichi became the first female Prime Minister of Japan in October, echoing Ms Meloni’s achievement in 2022.

日伊首脳会談等の様子です。 pic.twitter.com/S4DMAqaDTo

— 首相官邸 (@kantei) January 16, 2026

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The exchange took place while Meloni was on a trip to Tokyo and came a day after her 49th birthday. The Italian prime minister appeared delighted when Takaichi led an Italian rendition of " Happy Birthday " and presented her with cake and candles.

Takaichi came with interesting gifts

The gifts also included earrings for “stylish” Ms Meloni, according to a post on Ms Takaichi’s X account, as well as gifts from Hello Kitty maker Sanrio for her young daughter.

The pair shared a long hug as they said goodbye, and the video captured Ms Meloni telling the Japanese leader, “Count always on me, okay? For whatever you need. I know it’s not easy, but we’ll do it together.” Apart from gifts, there were the usual diplomatic pledges to deepen cooperation in areas such as security, the economy, and science and technology.

Due Nazioni lontane, ma sempre più vicine.
Amicizia e sintonia con @takaichi_sanae 🇮🇹🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/LbRlnoeQcZ

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) January 16, 2026

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“Giorgia and I confirmed that we will elevate our relationship from a ‘strategic partnership’ to a ‘special strategic partnership’ and aim for even greater heights,” Takaichi said on X. Interestingly, both leaders belonged to the conservative nationalist parties in their respective nations.