President Donald Trump experienced an awkward and disorganized welcome ceremony at Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace on Monday, as Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi guided him through the traditional protocol.
The event marked Takaichi’s first opportunity to establish a rapport with Trump, mirroring the close relationship the U.S. president once enjoyed with her predecessor, Shinzo Abe. Just days earlier, at the start of his Asian tour, Trump had praised Takaichi as “a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength.”
At one point during the ceremony, Trump appeared to close his eyes as the two leaders stood on the platform. Takaichi then gently prompted him to walk with her around the room before returning to the podium. Throughout the procession, the president appeared uncertain about his next move.
Video footage of the encounter quickly circulated on social media, where users reacted with a mix of humor and disbelief.
“That was so chaotic,” one X user commented, according to The Mirror US.
“Let’s get you to bed, grandpa,” another wrote.
“Like when a Roomba hits a wall,” a third observer joked.
Trump was flanked by U.S. officials throughout the welcome ceremony, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. During a photo opportunity, he clasped hands with Takaichi and remarked, “That’s a very strong handshake,” according to The Associated Press.
The U.S. delegation also included White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who warmly congratulated Takaichi, saying, “Congratulations — we’re so excited for you.”
In her opening remarks, Takaichi paid tribute to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, her staunchly conservative mentor who maintained a close relationship with Trump during his first term as president. “As a matter of fact,” she told Trump, “Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy.”
Trump reciprocated the sentiment, saying, “I want to thank you very much, and I want to congratulate you.”
“Shinzo Abe was a great friend of mine,” he added. “He spoke so well of you.”
Trump said Abe “would be very happy to know” that Takaichi had become prime minister, recalling how deeply he was affected by Abe’s assassination on July 8, 2022, during an election campaign speech.
The president went on to praise Takaichi, assuring her, “Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there.” He pledged his support in all circumstances, including any “favors you need.”
“You’re going to do a fantastic job, and we’re going to have a fantastic relationship,” Trump said.
He also celebrated Takaichi’s historic achievement as Japan’s first female prime minister, exclaiming, “That’s a big deal,” before adding, “You will be one of the great prime ministers.”
Read full article: Irishstar.
