Trump's Attitude Toward Emperor Naruhito Under Scrutiny
Points His Finger, Calls Him "Great Man"... "Rude Behavior"
As controversy arose in Japan over the attitude displayed by U.S. President Donald Trump during his meeting with Emperor Naruhito, the conduct of former President Barack Obama has resurfaced in public discussion. On the 29th, Japanese media outlets such as NHK and Asahi Shimbun reported, "President Trump met with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial residence on the 27th and held talks for about 35 minutes."
Emperor Naruhito is shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump after their meeting at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, on the 27th. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
After the meeting, Emperor Naruhito personally saw President Trump off. President Trump shook hands with the Emperor while patting him on the shoulder and pointed at him with his finger, complimenting him as a "great man." When President Trump met with then-Emperor Akihito in 2017, he also drew attention for shaking hands while standing upright without bowing.
Japanese netizens criticized this scene, commenting, "Who points their finger at someone?" and "He seems to think he is above the Emperor." Yuki Ito, a member of the Higashigaoka City Council in Osaka Prefecture, posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account, "No matter how you look at it, it is rude. Truly pathetic."
Japanese Netizens Compare with Obama, Say "Character Revealed"
A photo comparing the attitudes of former U.S. President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump toward the Emperor of Japan. X
Meanwhile, the moment when former President Obama paid a courtesy visit to Emperor Akihito in 2009 and bowed nearly 90 degrees was mentioned again. At the time, this was positively received in Japan, with many saying, "The U.S. President showed respect to our Emperor." However, in the United States, there was criticism that "the President bowed to a foreign monarch," and some labeled it "submissive diplomacy."
On Japanese social media, photos comparing the two U.S. presidents circulated, with comments such as "Their character is revealed," "That scene was uncomfortable even though there was no respect for the royal family," and "Why remain silent in the face of such insult?" On the other hand, some argued, "After the '90-degree bow,' he was likely conscious of U.S. public opinion," and "As President of the United States, he maintained 'equal diplomatic protocol.'"
Surprise at Skipping the Rising Sun Flag... Smooth Proceedings in Korea
President Donald Trump of the United States was startled as he passed by the Rising Sun flag, with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida showing a surprised expression. Photo by White House YouTube
During the welcoming ceremony at the State Guest House in Tokyo on the 28th, President Trump was also recalled for passing by the Rising Sun flag while reviewing the Japan Self-Defense Forces honor guard. It is customary to stop and pay respects in front of both countries' flags, and although Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pointed to the Rising Sun flag to guide him, President Trump simply walked past. The scene of Prime Minister Takaichi looking surprised with her mouth open was captured in a White House YouTube video.
In contrast, the welcoming ceremony for the Korea-U.S. summit held at the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, on the 29th proceeded smoothly. During the review of the honor guard, President Trump and President Lee Jaemyung moved in front of both countries' flags and saluted. President Lee then gently placed his hand on President Trump's back, and while briefly pausing, placed his hand over his heart toward the Taegeukgi. President Trump stood beside President Lee, waiting together while looking at the Taegeukgi.
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