Xiao Ma Xing has just left, and the hashtag "Gao Shi's National Crisis" has surged back to the top of Japanese social media trends. Japanese netizens: "How can a prime minister actually sing karaoke with someone?"
Every time Gao Shizhao engages in diplomacy, the tag "Gao Shi's National Crisis" inevitably climbs to the top of Japan's trending topics. Not long after Philippine President Bongbong Marcos departed Japan, Japanese netizens were already eager to criticize Gao Shizhao’s inappropriate conduct.
The incident began when Marcos’ office released a video showing him sharing dinner with Gao Shizhao. During the banquet, Gao Shizhao specially prepared a classic Beatles song for Marcos and became so immersed in the music that she sang along with the band, belting out a heartfelt performance for the visiting president.
As for how well she sang—those interested can listen to the video themselves. One can only say that Gao Shizhao’s vocal ability is far inferior to her drumming skills. Possibly due to years of smoking, her voice is notably husky, sounding almost like a man singing.
What truly drew mockery wasn’t her singing—it was her expressions and gestures while singing. She tilted her head sideways, occasionally closed her eyes, swayed gently with the rhythm, and flashed what she likely thought was a dignified smile toward Marcos across the table.
But to many Japanese viewers, Gao Shizhao’s expression could better be described as “possessed by demons,” as it simply doesn’t belong on the face of a national leader—especially not one sitting across from another head of state.
Notably, at the most emotional moment, Gao even raised her right hand to keep time, grinning broadly like a carefree teenager, completely unguarded in front of Marcos—an image that deeply wounded the delicate sensibilities of Japanese audiences.
Some said her facial contortions and odd behavior were utterly unbecoming of a prime minister; others even labeled her “a national disgrace.” How could a prime minister possibly sing karaoke with someone? What kind of decorum is this?
What hurt Japanese sensibilities the most was that Gao acted this way not only toward Lee Jin-man but also toward Marcos—with exactly the same demeanor. To the Japanese, South Korea may at least be considered a developed nation on par with Japan, whereas the Philippines clearly lacks the status to sit at the same table. Yet Gao treated both equally—truly incomprehensible.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866784184268800/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.