Trump’s biggest cheerleader? Why Japan’s Takaichi is making waves in China

2026.03.22 09:20 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reacts to the music as she arrives for a state dinner, at the White House on March 19. Photo: Handout A White House photo of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appearing to break into a dance at an official function ignited a wave of mockery across Chinese social media on the weekend, with commenters framing her as Washington’s biggest cheerleader. The photograph, the first in an official White House gallery from her summit with US President Donald Trump on Thursday, captures Takaichi in a moment of unbridled exuberance during a welcome reception. Making her first trip to Washington since taking office in October, the Japanese leader stands with both fists pumped high and mouth wide open, as a band plays behind her. Takaichi’s animated expression is a sharp contrast to the formal White House photos of Trump’s meetings in recent months with the president of Ukraine and prime minister of Israel. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump deliver remarks in the State Dining Room. Photo: Handout In Japan, some commenters criticised Takaichi’s demeanour as servile, accusing her “sycophantic diplomacy” that was inconsistent with the dignified approach expected of a head of state. Others dismissed the viral photo as “selective editing” meant to embarrass Tokyo. The photo was released after an awkward moment as Trump fielded questions from the media with Takaichi at his side. When a Japanese journalist asked Trump why the US had not warned allies about striking Iran on February 28, the president referenced Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941, which propelled the United States into World War II. “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbour? OK, right?” Trump said, drawing laughter from those in the room. In footage of the meeting, Takaichi’s eyes widened as she absorbed the remark about the attack that killed more than 2,400 Americans.

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