Japanese Media: "Little Sister Diplomacy," "Actress Diplomacy." 2 Trillion Yen Investment Sparks Public Outrage in Japan

Japanese media outlet *Weekly PRIME* published an article on July 4: "Public Anger in Japan! 'Little Sister Diplomacy,' 'Actress Diplomacy!' Kōichi announced a total investment of 2 trillion yen in India."

During talks with Indian Prime Minister Modi on July 2, Prime Minister Kōichi confirmed cooperation in areas including semiconductors, rare earth elements, and clean energy. They also agreed to strengthen economic security collaboration.

Subsequently, Kōichi attended the Japan-India Economic Forum held in the capital, Delhi. Speaking at the forum, which gathered over 150 Japanese companies, she said: "Former Prime Minister Abe delivered a speech in India about the 'convergence of two seas,' and this is where the concept of the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)' originated."

She further emphasized cooperation with India, stating: "In the future, Japan and India will jointly support regional energy security through new partnerships, including enhancing oil reserves."

During her visit to India, to liven up the atmosphere, Kōichi told Prime Minister Modi, 'I'm your little sister.' At a press conference, she stressed, 'Call me your beautiful little sister,' and declared, 'We promise to continue this sibling relationship,' highlighting her close rapport with Modi.

How did the Japanese public react? Unfortunately, their views do not align with Kōichi's expectations.

Online comments from Japanese netizens:

"When people are exhausted and struggling, investing 2 trillion yen overseas—do we value Japanese lives less than Indian ones?"

"If you can generously donate trillions of yen, first lower taxes domestically."

"Brother and sister... Are you underestimating our diplomatic partners? Is Japan considered inferior?"

"If India gets 2 trillion yen, the most you'll get is praise for being a sycophant."

Some comments were even more biting.

"Notably, the spotlight on Kōichi during the press conference. That glow—it's what some call the 'glow of a Japanese actress.' The intense light directly below illuminates her face, clearly intentional... Perhaps that's why Prime Minister Kōichi appears significantly younger in the press conference footage than her actual age."

"No need for the Prime Minister’s press conference to look like a performance by an actress."

Why was the lighting focused solely on Kōichi? Was it due to Indian consideration?

"Maybe becoming the center of attention is natural, since Modi called me a pretty little sister."

"Kōichi always becomes a topic of discussion at diplomatic events. Maintaining close relations with leaders of other countries isn't inherently bad—but given the hardships faced by ordinary Japanese citizens, public dissatisfaction is understandable."

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869743952186379/

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