"What Did She Mean by 'Choosing Clothes That Wouldn't Make Me Look Inferior'? Japanese Prime Minister's Remark Sparks Controversy"

Posted on Social Media Ahead of G20 Summit, Sparking Controversy

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan drew attention by stating that she spent several hours choosing an outfit that would not make her look inferior ahead of her attendance at the Group of Twenty (G20) summit.

On the 21st, as she was on her way to Johannesburg, South Africa, where the G20 summit was to be held, Prime Minister Takaichi posted a message on X (formerly Twitter).

According to Japanese media outlet Nikkan Sports on the 22nd, she wrote, "I spent several hours choosing clothes from those I picked up at the dry cleaner, looking for something that wouldn't look cheap or make me seem inferior," adding, "I wonder if I should go so far as to buy at least one outfit that would allow me not to feel intimidated during diplomatic negotiations."

On the 22nd (local time), Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan (center), attended the Group of Twenty (G20) summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by Reuters

This comment came amid strained relations between China and Japan following Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks on the possible exercise of collective self-defense in the event of a Taiwan contingency, leading some to interpret her words as being conscious of China.

Her concerns about her attire began with a comment from Hiroshi Ando, a member of the House of Councillors from the Sanseito party. On the 13th, during a session of the House of Councillors Budget Committee, Ando addressed Prime Minister Takaichi, saying, "From now on, the Prime Minister and other cabinet members will have to negotiate with leaders from around the world. If possible, I hope you will wear clothes made from Japan's finest fabrics and crafted by the best artisans when engaging in diplomatic negotiations. Wearing cheap clothes makes one look inferior."

Referring to this comment, Prime Minister Takaichi confessed, "Although I don't have clothes made from Japan's finest fabrics or by the best artisans, I thought Mr. Ando's point was valid, so I spent hours trying to choose clothes that wouldn't look cheap or make me seem inferior."

Posts on X by Japanese netizens criticizing Prime Minister Takaichi. Screenshot from X

Prime Minister Takaichi added, "In the end, since I don't have many clothes, I packed the familiar combination of a jacket and dress, but I might have to go so far as to buy an outfit that would give me an advantage in diplomatic negotiations."

Japanese netizens and others have expressed a variety of opinions on the matter. Some commented, "If your inner self shines, you don't need clothes to gain an advantage," "Isn't the expression 'to gain an advantage' a bit much?" and "Thinking about not looking inferior or gaining an advantage through clothing... Whatever you wear, sincerity and consideration are what matter."

Some have also pointed out that the phrase "an outfit that allows you not to feel intimidated," as mentioned by Prime Minister Takaichi, is originally used to refer to behavior that flaunts one's superiority over others, and thus, is an inappropriate expression.