Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi declared that she and US President Donald Trump are 'best buddies' on Thursday evening, hours after Trump made a controversial joke about the Pearl Harbor attack. Speaking through a translator at a White House dinner, Takaichi said, 'A stronger Japan and a stronger America, a more prosperous Japan and a more prosperous America. I am very confident that Donald and I are the best buddies to realize this shared goal.'
The earlier awkward exchange occurred in the Oval Office when a Japanese reporter asked why Trump had not warned allies about the Iran airstrike campaign. Trump replied that he wanted the strikes to be a 'surprise,' adding, 'Who knows better about surprise than Japan?' – referencing the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The room fell silent as Takaichi's expression changed from smiling to wide-eyed.
Social media users criticised the remark, with one writing, 'Audible groans in the room.' Another said, 'The way the Prime Minister of Japan looks like a hostage scanning the room for an exit to escape from this madman.' A Japanese user added, 'To put it mildly, I think our country is being mocked, looked down upon, and made a fool of.'
Despite the incident, Takaichi praised Trump's ability to resolve global issues, stating, 'I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world.' She also expressed Japan's readiness to contribute to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed following the US-Israeli bombing campaign.
