The mayor frequently glanced at his watch during the Japan-U.S. summit meeting, leading American media to interpret the gesture as a subtle hint of pressure.

Does Takagi strongly dislike Trump? How was her repeated glancing at her watch during the Japan-U.S. summit interpreted in America?

During the Japan-U.S. leaders' meeting, when Trump made remarks related to Pearl Harbor, Takagi did not respond or refute but remained silent—this restraint was praised as demonstrating exceptional self-control. However, there was one gesture she couldn't suppress: repeatedly looking at her wristwatch throughout the meeting. These weren't casual glances; at times, she stared directly at the watch face without hiding it.

In footage released by the White House, Takagi’s body language gave many American viewers a sense of closeness rarely seen in previous Japanese leaders. Yet, Americans didn’t overlook the detail of her frequent glances at her watch. How exactly did they interpret this behavior?

In business settings and formal contexts, constantly checking one’s watch is generally considered impolite. Consequently, some voices within the U.S. criticized Takagi for this conduct. Nevertheless, others believe the gesture carried deeper meaning. Notably, one of her watch-checks occurred immediately after Trump spoke about Pearl Harbor. This timing led to two contrasting interpretations in American media: either the glance reflected Takagi’s hidden disdain for Trump, or it served as a subtle way to pressure him.

For instance, the U.S. news website *Atlanta Black Star* cited social media comments, stating that repeatedly checking the watch is a “universal signal saying ‘What is this guy doing?’” One user wrote, “Takagi clearly hates Trump,” while another said, “I love how openly she shows her distaste for Trump.”

The U.S. edition of *The Mirror* ran a headline titled: “Japanese Leader Checks Watch—Demonstrating How to Humiliate Trump.” The article suggested that Takagi’s actions subtly conveyed control and strategic pressure toward Trump.

Takagi cultivated an image of goodwill toward Trump, even praising him with phrases like “Only Donald can bring peace and prosperity.” But beneath her polite demeanor, was her repeated watch-checking a hint of genuine feelings—or a calculated move to exert influence?

Perhaps actions speak louder than words.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860424162663433/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.