Abstract: This essay argues that Japan needs the United States to stay involved in the Indo-Pacific and examines how, in a time of great regional uncertainty, Japan under Abe has attempted to engage the United States and keep it close while simultaneously bolstering Japan’s own capabilities. The first section looks at Abe’s cultivation of relations with U.S. administrations in the face of changing regional dynamics. The second section then details Abe’s efforts and contributions to stabilizing a strong bilateral relationship and U.S. presence in the region. The essay concludes with a call to maintain this stability in the years ahead.