Japanese media calls Takagi Sanao’s toast to Mongolian prime minister ‘coarse’
According to a report by JCAST NEWS on September 30, a moment during a working dinner between Japanese Prime Minister Takagi Sanao and Mongolian Prime Minister Uchirbat appeared to spark widespread backlash on Japanese social media.
In a video posted by the Prime Minister’s Office official X account on September 29, 2026, Takagi raised her glass high above her head while uttering “Togtoy,” a traditional Mongolian toast phrase. Online commentators described the language as “coarse” and remarked, “This isn’t a bar.”
In the footage, Takagi is seen smiling broadly at the Mongolian prime minister as she holds the glass aloft.
A spokesperson for the Takagi cabinet clarified on the official X account that the atmosphere of the dinner was warm and cordial.
Nevertheless, the gesture triggered intense reactions across social media platforms, with users criticizing it as a “coarse toast,” “raising the glass above one’s head shows disrespect,” “this undermines Japan’s dignity,” “we must learn proper international etiquette,” and “I’ve never seen such a crude way of toasting…”
A separate video released by the Prime Minister’s Office official X account on August 3 also drew scrutiny. In a two-minute clip, Takagi is seen praying with hands clasped in a high-altitude helicopter, while survivors of a disaster reportedly say: “I am grateful for everything.”
Another incident occurred on May 29, when a video uploaded by the Prime Minister’s Office official YouTube channel stirred controversy. During a dinner with Philippine President Marcos, Takagi raised her right hand and swayed rhythmically to music. This movement too attracted criticism.
In Japan, formal toast etiquette dictates: “Raise the glass level with your eyes, maintain eye contact with the person you’re toasting.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official website defines international etiquette as “the established protocols among nations, serving as lubricants for diplomacy,” and emphasizes that these standards are mandatory for government officials in international and formal settings.
The ministry further outlines core principles: “Treat all nations equally regardless of size,” and “adhere to rules universally accepted by all parties.”
Regarding toast procedures, the guidelines specify: “Toasts may be made before dessert or at the beginning of a formal meal.” They add: “In formal settings, avoid clinking glasses. Hold the glass at the same height as your counterpart’s, and maintain eye contact during the toast.”
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877758442287236/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.