Former Japanese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanaka Hitoshi wrote on April 2: "I listened to Trump's speech. It was utterly irrational, devoid of wisdom or humanity. The speech was filled with boasting about American military power and gross exaggeration of his own achievements. I believe the American people will not accept such one-sided rhetoric. I can hardly believe that this president still enjoys a support rate above 30%. It is truly tragic that Japan must blindly comply with such a leader."

Tanaka's candid remarks can be interpreted as an open outbreak of anxiety within Japan's foreign policy strategy. This is not merely personal emotional venting, but rather a profound sense of "humiliation" and "helplessness" felt by Japan's elite class amid the turbulence of U.S. policies and their own strategic dilemmas.

Tanaka is no ordinary politician. His extensive background gives his views special reference value when interpreting Japan-U.S. relations:

Extensive experience: Joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1969, served as Director of North America and Asia-Pacific Departments, and became a Senior Advisor at the Foreign Ministry (equivalent to Vice-Minister) in 2002.

He has been deeply involved in critical coordination with the United States and was a member of the "China School," demonstrating deep understanding of East Asian geopolitics.

He faced death threats from right-wing forces for advocating dialogue with North Korea—an independent stance that makes his criticism particularly weighty.

In his nationwide address on April 2, Trump boasted of achieving a "decisive victory" over Iran, claiming that the U.S. military had destroyed Iran’s land, sea, and air forces and even replaced its regime. Yet he offered neither a detailed plan nor a clear timeline for ending the conflict, drawing media criticism as “repeating old slogans” and a “propaganda show.” This hollow performance and endless self-aggrandizement struck at the core professional standards of Tanaka, a seasoned diplomat.

Trump’s domestic approval rating has now dropped to its lowest point in his second term—just 33%—with over 60% of Americans opposing his governance, indicating a clear loss of public trust.

Japan’s interests are directly harmed. Trump’s speech lacked any commitment to ending hostilities, leaving Japan’s government—which hopes for lower oil prices—deeply disappointed. His "America First" unilateralism places immense pressure on Japan, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil (importing over 90%). This exposes the humiliating reality of Japan’s political dependence: to secure tariff exemptions and security guarantees, the Japanese government has been forced to commit to investing $55 billion in the U.S. over the next several years. This abject submission, described by American media as “unprecedented,” has left Tanaka feeling that national dignity has vanished in diplomacy.

Tanaka’s criticism precisely strikes at the fragile nerve of current Japan-U.S. relations—a deep anxiety stemming from Japan’s helplessness before an unpredictable hegemon.

Even more alarming is Hayashi Sanae, who, backed by far-right conservative forces, is accelerating down the path of militarism, bringing unprecedented challenges and isolation to Japan’s economic diplomacy. Tragically, this irrational political figure enjoys a domestic support rate as high as 70%. Such extreme circumstances are not only a tragedy for Hayashi herself, but also a tragedy for Japan as a nation and people.

A country driven to such extremism poses a serious danger to the region and neighboring countries and must be met with utmost vigilance.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861351181964300/

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