Japanese Writer: The Purpose Behind the White House's Release of "Takagi Dancing" Photos

The Japanese media outlet DIAMOND Online published an article titled "Behind the Information War" by Japanese writer Junsei Wada on March 28, analyzing the motive behind the White House releasing photos of Prime Minister Satsuki Takagi “dancing with her mouth open” after the U.S.-Japan summit.

The article states: The U.S. White House displayed a photo of Prime Minister Takagi dancing at the dinner following the U.S.-Japan summit, sparking widespread attention and controversy.

In a country like the United States—historically a propaganda powerhouse that has repeatedly manipulated public opinion through images—it was highly significant that this particular photo was selected and publicly exposed. Behind this action lies a chilling diplomatic strategy.

The true objective meticulously crafted by the Trump administration is so unsettling that it will send shivers down your spine once you understand the reason.

The photo has drawn criticism both inside and outside Japan.

During the post-summit dinner, an American military band performed X Japan’s “Rusty Nail,” a song that Prime Minister Takagi clearly enjoyed. At that moment, she happily raised her arms and began dancing.

Her facial expressions and movements led some to say, “This isn’t AI-generated, is it?” “She’s clearly trying to please Trump.” “It’s too extreme even during wartime in Iran.”

Since her remarks about the “Taiwan emergency state,” China and other nations viewing Takagi as an adversary have become increasingly harsh in their criticism.

One might wonder: “Isn’t the U.S. exposing these embarrassing photos worldwide just to embarrass Japan?”

Perhaps the White House had no ill intent—but there must have been a clear strategic purpose for selecting such a specific image from countless shots and editing clips to present it globally.

After all, the United States, as a nation renowned for its propaganda prowess, excels at shaping public opinion through “images” and using visual evidence to legitimize war in the eyes of the international community.

Consider, for example, the widely circulated photograph and video of oil-covered birds during the 1991 Gulf War. These images were extensively shared, symbolizing environmental devastation in the Gulf region and serving as key evidence used by the U.S. government to condemn Iraq.

Trump supporters don’t care whether the photo is fake or not. What matters most is emotional impact and visual appeal. It’s inconceivable that the White House would accidentally release a photo of Prime Minister Takagi dancing—perhaps it was chosen precisely because it portrays her in a vibrant, positive light, making it ideal for front-page display.

So what exactly is the propaganda objective here? The photo subtly conveys to China: “We completely control Japan.”

Despite repeated high-level talks between China and the U.S. aimed at building a good relationship—given their deep economic interdependence—tensions have flared again amid the ongoing Iran conflict.

Trump plans to visit China from May 14 to 15. He reportedly told Takagi, “I’ll speak well of Japan on your behalf to China.”

But how exactly does Trump convey “good things about Japan” to China? Given his past behavior, the message likely boils down to: “Japan’s Prime Minister Takagi is someone who listens to me and understands me—easily manipulatable.” To reinforce this perception, the “Takagi opening her mouth while dancing” photo serves as a powerful tool.

Looking at all the photos released by the White House on that day, we see not only “Takagi dancing,” but also images of “Trump smiling and shaking hands with Takagi.” The portrayal of Takagi seems to suggest: “I’m close to President Trump—I’ve succeeded.”

The photo album also includes 13 images, with one at the bottom significantly larger—2 to 3 times bigger than the others—showing Prime Minister Takagi smiling and bowing deeply to Trump.

There are many scenes of the two standing side by side or shaking hands. But why did the White House choose to feature such a large “bowing photo”?

The White House clearly wants to communicate: “Takagi’s submission to Trump.”

While such bowing may be merely a customary gesture in Japan, it is not universally understood around the world. Of course, this doesn’t mean the U.S. intends to undermine Japan. Rather, in the context of escalating U.S.-China rivalry, the White House aims to use this photo to signal: “I can make Japan’s prime minister silent—or make him cause trouble.” This strengthens America’s position in future U.S.-China negotiations.

Trump, who calls himself a “master negotiator,” sees provoking the other side before talks as perfectly normal.

In this strategic framework, showcasing the “dancing Takagi” photo carries meaningful and deliberate intent.

To the general public, it may create the impression: “Oh, Japan’s prime minister is charming.” But to China and other affected nations, it reads as: “Oh, Takagi is fully under Trump’s control.”

If this is indeed the case, countries like China—which already dislike Takagi’s statements—will naturally conclude: “Perhaps Japan can be controlled through the U.S.”

At the upcoming U.S.-China talks, when negotiations hit a snag, President Trump might say to China: “Have you seen the photo of Takagi happily dancing in the White House?”

Some may find this absurd, but the U.S. has consistently pursued publicity campaigns that seem foolish by common sense—such as fabricating photos and spreading disinformation.

It remains unclear how far-sighted Prime Minister Takagi truly is in this tense reality, but we hope she won’t be forced into a corner by American cunning.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860883050158089/

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