"With Both Hands Raised and Dancing": Takaichi Faces Criticism for "Humiliating Diplomacy" Over White House Photo

Laughing at Display Mocking Biden
Dancing at the White House to X-JAPAN Performance
Blatant Praise: "World Peace Is in Your Hands"

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s series of actions at the White House during her first visit to the United States since taking office is fueling controversy both inside and outside Japan over what is being described as “humiliating diplomacy.” Critics argue that her overtly emotional reactions and emphasis on personal rapport in the arena of summit diplomacy are unbecoming of a national leader.

The controversy began with the White House's internal "Presidential Hall of Honor." In a captured photo, Sanae Takaichi was walking down the corridor adorned with portraits of past presidents alongside U.S. President Donald Trump when she burst into laughter upon seeing an image of an "Autopen" (automatic signature device) hanging in place of Joe Biden. White House website

On March 22 (local time), international outlets such as the Global Times and the South China Morning Post reported that photos released by the White House captured Prime Minister Takaichi appearing to dance during an official event, which led to ridicule across China and Japan over the weekend. The controversy began with the White House’s internal “Presidential Hall of Honor.” In a captured photo, Prime Minister Takaichi was walking down the corridor with U.S. President Donald Trump, lined with portraits of past presidents, when she burst into laughter upon seeing an image of an “automatic signature machine” (autopen) displayed instead of a portrait of former President Joe Biden.

This display was reportedly installed by President Trump with the intent of mocking former President Biden. Once this scene was made public, Japanese social media was flooded with criticism such as “Laughing at that is inappropriate,” and “She appears loyal to Trump personally, rather than to the United States.” Opposition politicians also commented that “She should have pretended not to notice.”

The controversy grew even more intense at the official dinner. The first image in the photo gallery released by the White House showed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi singing with her mouth wide open and both hands raised in front of the military band. White House Website

The controversy intensified at the official dinner. In the first photo of a gallery recently released by the White House, Prime Minister Takaichi is seen standing in front of the military band, both hands raised and her mouth wide open as she sings. This was reportedly her emotional reaction after President Trump had the band play a song by X-JAPAN, her favorite rock band.

The Japanese Prime Minister’s Office promoted this as the “Sanae Smile,” but public response was cold. Many commented, “I thought it was a doctored photo,” “Is the White House mocking Japan?” and “She is too frivolous for a national leader.” At one point, the hashtag “Takaichi is Japan’s shame” even trended. On the other hand, some defended her, saying it was a natural response to the hosts’ consideration.

Prime Minister Takaichi’s actions did not stop there. During her opening remarks at the summit, she directly praised President Trump, saying, “You are the only person who can bring world peace.” Foreign media also adopted a critical stance, with The New York Times describing it as “diplomacy based on charm” and Le Monde calling it “blatant flattery.”

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's series of actions at the White House during her first visit to the United States since taking office have sparked widespread controversy over 'humiliating diplomacy' both inside and outside Japan. White House website

Another controversy erupted during President Trump’s remarks on Pearl Harbor. While responding to a question from a Japanese journalist, President Trump referenced Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, which drew laughter from the audience and left Prime Minister Takaichi looking visibly flustered. This moment quickly spread across Chinese social media and became a subject of ridicule.

Chinese netizens left comments such as “Is Takaichi a White House cheerleader?” and “The epitome of submission,” with some posts garnering hundreds of thousands of likes. Chinese state media also amplified the coverage, criticizing Japan’s excessive dependence on the United States. Some analysts interpreted Prime Minister Takaichi’s conduct as a “close alignment diplomacy” strategy, suggesting that amid U.S.-China tensions and instability in the Middle East, Japan is aiming to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. on security and energy issues.

In fact, Japan brought proposals for increased U.S. energy imports and large-scale investment plans to this visit. However, critics point out that such a strategy could be perceived as excessively subservient diplomacy, thereby damaging Japan’s national standing. The controversy has been further fueled by the scheduling of events such as the visit to Arlington National Cemetery, which has been framed as part of a “U.S.-centered message.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.