Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong has embarked on a business trip to Japan, following his recent visit to China. Amid intensifying global economic uncertainties, especially over tariff increases under the US' Trump administration, Lee appears to be taking a proactive approach to international engagement.
Samsung chief arrived in Japan on Wednesday and is set to meet with key business leaders, according to industry sources on Thursday. Before his departure, he met with acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Tuesday, where he expressed his plans to visit Japan following his China trip.
This follows a meeting with Korea's main opposition leader, Rep. Lee Jae-myung, where the two discussed strengthening global competitiveness on March 20.
His visit to Japan continues a long-standing Samsung tradition initiated during the tenure of the late chairman, Lee Kun-hee. As Japan’s fiscal year ends on March 31 and many Japanese firms announce CEO appointments in April, Samsung has customarily sent top executives to extend greetings and strengthen ties with key partners.
Industry watchers are closely monitoring whom Lee will meet during his stay. Given that he previously held a three-way meeting with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son at Samsung’s Seocho-gu office in February, speculation is growing that he may reunite with Son during this trip.
At their earlier meeting, the three executives reportedly discussed potential collaborations related to Stargate, a $500 billion US AI data center initiative announced by Trump.
Additionally, following his recent engagements with Chinese electric vehicle giants Xiaomi and BYD regarding automotive component partnerships, Lee is expected to explore similar opportunities in Japan. Potential meetings with long-time strategic allies such as Hitachi, Sony and Mitsui & Co. are also being speculated.
Lee’s Japan visit follows his week-long trip to China March 22-28, where he participated in the China Development Forum 2025 and attended a global CEO summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
By Jie Ye-eun (yeeun@heraldcorp.com)
