U.S. President Donald Trump made a pointed and controversial remark during Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's official visit. When asked by journalists why the U.S. had not warned allies about its strike on Iran on February 28, Trump invoked Japan's 1941 attack on American soil. He stated, "Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor?" At that moment, Takaichi's widened eyes and deep breath visibly reflected her discomfort, highlighting the sensitivity of the historical reference.
In historical context, the Pearl Harbor attack led to the U.S. entering World War II, and later, the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing hundreds of thousands. Post-war, the two nations became close allies, but painful past events are typically avoided in public discourse, with focus on reconciliation. In 2016, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe visited Pearl Harbor, offering "sincere and everlasting condolences" to the victims, while then-U.S. President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima, emphasizing friendship over past divisions.
Trump's comment drew laughter from some journalists and attendees in the White House, but senior reporter Mineko Tokito of Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun noted the PM's discomfort was "clear." Japanese engineer Yuta Nakamura praised Takaichi for "avoiding upsetting Trump," while retiree Tokio Washino said the mention made him feel "a bit uneasy" as a Japanese citizen. This incident underscores ongoing societal friction around historical memory, despite official alliances.
Takaichi's visit was already tense due to Japan's refusal to heed Trump's call to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks. Before talks, Japan joined six other countries pledging "to contribute to appropriate efforts" for safe passage, but specifics were not provided. Takaichi later briefed Trump on possible support under Japanese laws. The blockage has caused global oil prices to skyrocket, as about 20% of the world's oil transits through the strait, adding economic strain to the diplomatic encounter.
Source: www.bbc.com