Japan PM Takaichi faces backlash at home for ‘fawning’ over world leaders

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has faced domestic backlash for her unusually expressive and informal behavior during meetings with foreign leaders, which contrasts with Japan’s traditional political restraint. This has sparked debate about the appropriateness of her style and its impact on Japan’s international image, reflecting broader tensions between cultural norms and changing political dynamics.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has drawn domestic criticism for her unusually enthusiastic demeanor during meetings with foreign leaders, a style that has sparked debate across the country. Videos and images circulating on Japanese social media show Takaichi displaying marked excitement and warmth, behaviors considered atypical for the restrained formality customary among Japanese politicians.

The latest example, recorded during a visit to the United Kingdom, features Takaichi reacting with pronounced delight to remarks made by British Labour leader Keir Starmer about the weather. The prime minister’s visible expressions—including a hand lifted to her mouth and a broad smile—have been widely shared and discussed in Japan. Observers suggest that her conduct diverges sharply from traditional diplomatic decorum in Japan, where formal restraint is strongly valued.

Since assuming office eight months ago as Japan’s first female prime minister and head of the Liberal Democratic Party, Takaichi has exhibited similar behavior during encounters with other international figures. Notably, she complimented South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on his glasses, sang a Beatles duet with Philippine President Bongbong Marcos Jr. at a Tokyo event, and embraced former U.S. President Donald Trump during a 2023 visit to the United States. During that visit, she employed casual, first-name address with Trump, a practice unusual in Japan’s formal political culture.

Her interactions with Trump included lively gestures—in one instance, she raised her thumbs and jumped in celebration aboard an American aircraft carrier in Japan, prompting Trump to describe their relationship as close friends. Earlier this year, she publicly expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to achieve “peace and prosperity across the world.”

Critics argue that Takaichi’s approach risks undermining perceptions of Japan’s leadership strength. Social media users have described her conduct as “fawning” or “vulgar,” questioning whether such displays are appropriate for a head of government. One commentator suggested that such behavior could cause Takaichi to be seen more as a fan than a serious leader.

Supporters and analysts offer a different perspective. Shin Ki-young, a gender studies professor at Ochanomizu University, characterized Takaichi’s convivial style as a survival strategy cultivated within the male-dominated and traditionally conservative Liberal Democratic Party. This tactic, according to Shin, may reflect the challenges faced by a female leader navigating Japan’s political environment, where displays of deference or warmth can serve as tools for building alliances.

Takaichi’s distinctive diplomatic style continues to divide opinion domestically, highlighting the tension between longstanding cultural norms and evolving modes of political engagement on the international stage.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.