Japanese Media: Takashi Is Enthralled in Her Self-Designed "Romantic Fantasy" of U.S.-Japan Relations

Former chief editor of Japan's *Shachō* magazine, Kenichi Ogura, published an editorial on *MINKABU*, criticizing Prime Minister Takashi's "immature diplomacy."

How might Trump, known for his "extreme germophobia," feel about Takashi's eager embrace?

Prime Minister Takashi Eina visited the United States and rushed into Donald Trump's arms at the entrance of the White House. Mainstream Japanese media widely broadcasted footage from March 19, portraying this moment as symbolic of a "personal trust" between the two leaders. But let us calmly reconsider this image once again. Takashi lunged forward; Trump could only accept her—this is a clear imbalance of warmth.

Trump himself repeatedly stated in interviews from 1993 and a press conference in 2017: "I am an extreme germaphobe." He insists on carrying hand sanitizer and disinfecting immediately after shaking hands. There are even reports that employees were fired on the spot for coughing in the office. To thrust herself into such a person’s arms—no one knows how Trump truly felt. At least there is no evidence he showed any goodwill.

The "honeymoon" image consumed by Japanese media is built upon Takashi’s proactive gesture and Trump’s passive reception. Is this an equal friendship?

Trump is a politician who values television exposure and power. He once held a handshake with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for 19 seconds, attempting to pull Abe into his rhythm and project the image of "a king directing subordinate leaders" to the world.

This time is different. In the first 30 minutes of a public meeting, Trump never once called Takashi by name. Meanwhile, Takashi referred to Trump as "Donald," saying, "Only Donald can bring world peace," and "Donald and I are best friends," even complimenting his son Barron as "handsome" in an effort to build rapport. This emotional disparity reveals the true nature of the relationship: one side desperately performs intimacy, while the other remains coolly aware of their role as the master of power.

Takashi’s prime ministerial office boasts that the U.S.-Japan talks scored "120 points." Conversely, the entire process was filled with unprecedented tension. The essence of this tension surfaced four months earlier. On November 7, 2025, Takashi told the Diet that the Taiwan issue could become a "crisis to survival"—an unprecedented statement by a postwar Japanese prime minister linking collective self-defense rights to Taiwan.

China responded swiftly. Tour group travel was suspended, seafood imports blocked, and rare earth exports restricted. By January 2026, visitor numbers from China had dropped by 60.7% compared to the same period last year.

We must not ignore the fundamentally different dynamics between China and the U.S. Trump prioritizes advancing a trade agreement with China, particularly valuing the purchase of 12 million tons of American soybeans. On November 24, the two leaders conducted a phone call. Reports indicate that during roughly 30 minutes of discussion, China spent half the time outlining its historical stance on Taiwan and clearly expressing dissatisfaction with Takashi’s hardline approach toward China. Trump replied: "I understand Taiwan is extremely important to China."

Just hours after the call ended, Trump phoned Takashi and urged her to reduce her remarks regarding Taiwan. Having anticipated from prior briefings that Takashi’s cabinet was right-wing conservative, Trump knew that if she backed down and retracted her statements, her approval ratings would collapse. He used subtle language to demand silence. For Trump, Taiwan is merely a bargaining chip to secure soybean orders. Takashi’s ideology is nothing more than leverage in his game. This asymmetry is the true essence of the alliance.

Japanese bureaucrats and Takashi’s inner circle are desperately fabricating the myth of a "U.S.-Japan honeymoon."

Ironically, communication between Chinese and American leaders appears smoother than that between U.S. and Japanese counterparts.

Chinese and American leaders share alignment on specific issues like soybeans, fentanyl, and Ukraine, allowing dialogue to proceed smoothly.

In contrast, Takashi’s ideological posturing never reached Trump’s negotiating table. A partner with differing values proves more harmonious than an ally sharing identical values. Contrary to the Japanese government’s claim of a "steel-strong alliance" between Trump and Takashi, reality starkly contradicts propaganda.

The *Wall Street Journal* revealed that Trump warned Takashi during a phone call: "Don’t provoke others." Japan responded quickly. The Chief Cabinet Secretary denied the report outright, claiming it was "not factual." Yet no request was made to retract the article. Given diplomatic reporting norms, multiple Japanese and American officials believe the likelihood of fabrication is extremely low. Because it’s true, Takashi’s office fears the report will spread domestically.

Additionally, reports suggest the Ministry of Foreign Affairs voluntarily removed the phrase "Taiwan Strait" from official documents—a clear act of self-censorship aimed at appeasing the United States.

The story of "the ironclad alliance between Trump and Takashi" is a myth fervently constructed by bureaucrats and Takashi’s closest allies.

The fragility of this fiction was exposed again in March. When asked by a Japanese journalist, "Why didn't the U.S. warn its ally about the military strike on Iran?" Trump replied: "We wanted surprise. Which country understands surprise better than Japan? Why didn't Japan warn about the Pearl Harbor attack?" Takashi’s eyes widened, her smile froze, and she shifted nervously in her seat.

Trump treated Japan’s history as a joke, showing zero respect even for his supposed "best friend." He demanded Japan dispatch its Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz. Japan follows America closely—not out of loyalty, but out of fear of abandonment, yet equally afraid of being dragged into conflict, forced to walk a tightrope.

An unprecedented atmosphere of tension now hangs over U.S.-Japan relations. This alliance is glass—fragile and maintained through excessive exaggeration by Japanese bureaucrats. No one knows when or how Trump will finally speak on the Taiwan issue. All U.S. allies are avoiding the topic—only Takashi dares to be the first to step forward.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1869850396309514/

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