"This Level of Physical Contact Is Abnormal": Japanese Political Circles Stirred by Photo of Takaichi Linking Arms with Trump

Debate Among Japanese Politicians Over "Linked Arms" Photo

There has been criticism from some quarters of the Japanese political sphere regarding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi linking arms with US President Donald Trump. Critics argue that such excessive physical contact deviates from standard diplomatic protocol.

President Donald Trump posted a photo on the 29th showing him linking arms with Sanae Takaichi, the Prime Minister of Japan, after completing his visit to Japan. Donald Trump Truth Social

On the 29th, President Trump posted a photo on his social media platform, Truth Social, showing him and Prime Minister Takaichi walking down a staircase together. In the photo, Prime Minister Takaichi is seen smiling and conversing while linking arms with President Trump. The two leaders held a US-Japan summit at the State Guest House in Motoakasaka, Tokyo, the previous day, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the US-Japan alliance and discussing security and economic issues.

However, some Japanese politicians have raised their voices, saying that Prime Minister Takaichi's act of linking arms with President Trump was excessive. Saito Renho, a member of the Constitutional Democratic Party, the main opposition party, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that, "Even without putting an arm around the shoulder, even without smiling, even without linking arms, a calm conversation would have been possible," and criticized, "I want to pursue politics built on trust rather than achievements."

Maiko Tajima, another member of the same party, also pointed out, "For the host country's leader to be escorted by the guest is a reversal of roles," adding, "This level of physical contact is abnormal. In an equal bilateral relationship, such things should not happen in official settings. Does the Prime Minister's Office really believe that releasing such footage serves Japan's national interest?"

President Trump hugging Prime Minister Takaichi on the shoulder during a speech at the Yokosuka US Navy Base in Kanagawa Prefecture on the 28th. Photo captured from Diario AS YouTube

In addition, the scene of President Trump hugging Prime Minister Takaichi on the shoulder during a speech at the Yokosuka US Navy Base in Kanagawa Prefecture on the 28th, with Prime Minister Takaichi responding with a smile, has also sparked debate.

However, Japanese media have evaluated it as a symbolic scene demonstrating the strong US-Japan relationship. The Yomiuri Shimbun on the 29th quoted a close aide to Prime Minister Takaichi as saying, "It was a perfect score in terms of building a relationship."

There is also a view that Prime Minister Takaichi's friendly attitude has benefited the national interest. One online user defended her actions, stating, "For the sake of US-Japan relations, it is essential for Prime Minister Takaichi and President Trump to build personal trust. Prime Minister Takaichi is working desperately for the national interest." Another user commented, "This is simply President Trump, who is accustomed to the 'ladies first' culture, offering his hand out of courtesy to prevent a woman from falling on the stairs. In fact, refusing such goodwill would be even more impolite."