Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sought support for his minority government with the opening of parliament on Friday, as he aims to pass a record ¥115.5 trillion ($738 billion) annual budget and navigate ties with the new US administration.

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba has been seeking to meet US President Donald Trump after he won elections in November. Ishiba, who is likely to embark on US visit in coming weeks, wants Trump's commitment to ensure a strong American presence in the region.

Taking a "Japan First" mindset is vital for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to build meaningful ties with Donald Trump, according to a former policy adviser to the U.S. president, whose second term is likely to see alliances rattled and a return of protectionist policies.