Abstract
This article analyzes Japan's probable strategic approach toward the second Trump administration through the lens of what I term its "anchoring" strategy, aimed at keeping the United States engaged in Japan's defense, the Indo-Pacific region, and a rules-based, "free and open" international order. Despite the disruptive and unpredictable nature of Donald Trump's foreign policy, Japan remains committed to leveraging US power to counter China's growing influence. Grounded in its grand strategic tradition, Tokyo has adopted-and will likely continue-a pragmatic approach to engaging the Trump administration while increasing defense investments and deepening ties with like-minded partners to safeguard the free and open Indo-Pacific. By situating Japan's anchoring strategy within its post-2010 historical development, I assess the opportunities and challenges of the Trump 2.0 era and suggest areas of adjustment for Japan's diplomatic playbook from the first Trump term.