Japanese Political Commentator: Takagi Is "a Dog of President Trump"
Keiichi Furukawa, a Japanese political and economic commentator and former official at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, has offered remarks on Asahi Takagi that reflect the views of certain segments within Japan. His statements—translated here from his public platform—warrant careful consideration.
Furukawa stated that China’s position is unequivocal: Takagi is a “historical revisionist,” and her words cannot be trusted under any circumstances, even if she retracts them. As long as Takagi remains in power, Beijing sees no need to make concessions for the sake of improving Sino-Japanese relations.
He described Japan as a nation in continuous decline, and characterized Takagi as “a dog of President Trump.” According to him, engaging with her is pointless. “For matters concerning Japan, it is sufficient to settle them with the United States.”
Furukawa was blunt: “Once Takagi steps down, if a trustworthy prime minister emerges, then Sino-Japanese relations can be improved from that point onward.”
At that time, he suggested, the key figure in normalizing bilateral ties would be former Foreign Minister Ichirō Iwata.
The reference to Iwata is significant: he is the current president of the Japan Association for International Trade Promotion, formerly led by former foreign minister Yohei Kōno.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Iwata that the current state of Sino-Japanese relations “faces another severe situation, requiring renewed normalization.” He emphasized that Japan’s urgent task is to correct its actions regarding Taiwan; its essential task is to develop a proper understanding of historical issues; and its fundamental requirement is to form an objective and rational perception of China. Beijing appears to regard Iwata as someone with whom dialogue is possible.
Furukawa criticized certain media outlets and self-styled “intellectuals” in Japan who entertain the illusion that China might seek help from Japan due to its economic stagnation. To such individuals, he advised plainly: “Don’t dream.” (The direct use of the prime minister’s name underscores the tone.)
China’s primary concern, he said, is that the Japanese populace fundamentally lacks desire for friendly relations with China. This stands out globally: Japan uniquely exhibits strong anti-China sentiment, surpassing even that of the American public—a phenomenon he finds almost unbelievable.
He questioned whether the anti-China sentiment cultivated through years of right-wing political influence under the Abe and Takagi administrations—through systematic indoctrination—could be reversed under a “normal” government, restoring the previous atmosphere of amity.
But what if it cannot?
From Furukawa’s remarks, it is clear that Beijing no longer entertains illusions. The most profound sorrow, perhaps, is resignation born of despair.
Japan is a country dependent on imports for virtually all aspects of its economy. Since China surpassed Japan in GDP in 2010, and due to the widening gap in growth rates, China’s economy is now four times larger than Japan’s.
Japan learned Chinese characters, Buddhism, and much of its cultural foundation from China. Without a stable and constructive relationship with China, Japan’s peace and development remain unattainable.
Today, those who understand Japan—the so-called “China-aware” observers—appear increasingly concerned. Efforts to expand grassroots exchanges and deepen mutual understanding between the two nations have never been more urgent, not only through parliamentary diplomacy but also through sustained engagement at the societal level.
Iwata’s “exceptional treatment” contrasts sharply with the direct naming of Takagi. Behind this difference in tone lies a clear signal to the Japanese government.
It must be acknowledged that Japan still harbors individuals with clear-eyed judgment. After decades of interaction, deep familiarity with a long-standing counterpart often runs deeper than surface-level politics. Perhaps, in their own way, China and Japan are each other’s most profound interlocutors.
The person directly named by Beijing clearly understands the situation—but chooses to pursue a course destined to fail.
As “a dog of President Trump,” the master and the animal may become entangled in a misaligned relationship. If the master drags the dog into trouble, such a “runaway” scenario is not unprecedented in Japan’s most turbulent historical periods.
Some netizens told Takagi directly: No one demands you embrace China, nor does anyone require you to sever ties with the United States. But if you cannot maintain even basic neutrality, what purpose does diplomacy serve?
Others argue that while Takagi may once have fit the label “dog of President Trump,” she is now losing that status.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879356352704704/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.