Trump's Unexpected 'No-Look Pass' at Japanese Flag Leaves Takaichi Stunned

First Summit Meeting Since Prime Minister Takaichi Took Office
Unusual Scene in Front of Both National Flags... Various Interpretations Emerge

During his tour of Asia, U.S. President Donald Trump visited the State Guest House in Motoakasaka, Tokyo, Japan, on October 28. At the state visit welcoming ceremony with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, an unexpected incident occurred that drew attention.

In the order of respect for the Japanese flag, President Trump passed by the flag without acknowledging it, despite Prime Minister Takaichi's gesture. Prime Minister Takaichi positioned himself to be photographed in front of the flag of the other country, but President Trump was seen walking straight ahead without looking. Official White House YouTube channel

On this day, foreign media outlets such as the Associated Press reported that President Trump briefly lost his sense of direction during the honor guard inspection, and Prime Minister Takaichi was seen placing her hand on his waist to guide him. Another incident followed during the protocol ceremony for the national flags of both countries. When President Trump spontaneously gave a hand salute toward the already hoisted Stars and Stripes, Prime Minister Takaichi reflexively placed her hand over her heart in return.

However, during the subsequent order of respect for the Japanese flag, President Trump passed by the flag without acknowledging it, despite Prime Minister Takaichi's gesture. Prime Minister Takaichi positioned herself in front of the other country's flag to be photographed, but President Trump was seen walking straight ahead without looking. Most notably, Prime Minister Takaichi's bewildered expression was clearly captured in the on-site videos and photos.

Generally, a state visit is the highest-level diplomatic event, held at the official invitation of a head of state to a foreign leader, and the welcoming ceremony is a symbolic occasion reflecting the dignity of bilateral relations. Typically, after the head of state is received, the military band and honor guard line up, and the national anthems of both countries are played with both national flags hoisted. However, on this day, President Trump appeared to forget this protocol and acted accordingly.

Another incident occurred during the protocol ceremony for the national flags of both countries. When President Trump spontaneously gave a hand salute toward the already hoisted Stars and Stripes, Prime Minister Takaichi reflexively placed his hand over his heart in return. Photo by AP Yonhap News

There are various interpretations of the situation that unfolded. Some suggest it may have been a simple mistake caused by President Trump's jet lag or a lack of briefing from his staff. However, the scene in which he saluted the Stars and Stripes in a military manner but passed by the Japanese flag indifferently has also led some to recall the relationship between the United States, the victor of World War II, and Japan, the defeated nation.

Meanwhile, President Trump expressed his support for Japan's strengthened defense policy on this day. During the summit, Prime Minister Takaichi reportedly explained her plan to accelerate the increase in defense spending and strengthen defense capabilities through the revision of three key security documents. Prime Minister Takaichi has previously announced her intention to move up the timeline for raising Japan's defense budget to 2% of GDP by two years. The United States and Japan also signed a memorandum of cooperation to expand shipbuilding capacity. President Trump stated, "We will cooperate with Japan in shipbuilding and build many vessels together."

On that day, foreign media such as the Associated Press reported that President Trump briefly lost his direction during the honor guard inspection, and Prime Minister Takaichi was seen placing her hand on his waist to guide him. Photo by AP and Yonhap News Agency

Furthermore, the two countries released a list of U.S. business sectors that have attracted interest from Japanese companies. According to Kyodo News, the four main areas of interest for Japanese investment in the United States are energy, power development for artificial intelligence (AI), strengthening AI infrastructure, and critical minerals, with the total scale of these projects reaching 400 billion dollars (574 trillion won). More than 10 companies, including Hitachi, Toshiba, Panasonic, Mitsubishi Electric, and SoftBank Group, have expressed interest in investing in the United States. The largest projects involve energy-related businesses by Westinghouse and GE Vernova-Hitachi (GVH), each with a scale of 100 billion dollars (143 trillion won).