There is a growing debate surrounding the “behavior” of our nation’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her overseas trips. Some question if her actions could be considered diplomacy or if they resemble more of a form of hospitality service.

Take for instance the recent visit of U.S. President Trump to Japan. A photograph that was publicly released showed Prime Minister Takaichi walking in close proximity, arm-in-arm with President Trump as he departed from the State Guest House. It is said that no other Japanese dignitary had ever “approached” President Trump with such closeness. Additionally, their praised “good rapport” and “compatibility” have been emphasized, with many stating that “the latest meeting between the U.S. and Japanese leaders was a great success.”

What about the encounters with the leaders of Asia-Pacific countries, and furthermore, the countries of Southeast Asia, held around that time? Television cameras captured the scene of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi “edging closer” to the President of Indonesia by shifting her chair sideways in the assembly hall. Additionally, our nation’s Prime Minister embracing the President of Chile firmly by the shoulder, exhibiting behavior reminiscent of a “reunion of old friends,” was also extremely striking. Observing these actions, overseas parties are likely thinking the following.

“It is not ‘Japan is back,’ but rather ‘Japan has changed.'”

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hails from the Kansai region. Her inherent “affability” might be attributed to the culture of her birthplace. However, when something does not pique her interest, her demeanor changes. In 2003, I, accompanied by a member of a certain publishing media, had the opportunity to meet with Representative Sanae Takai in the office of the Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. At that time, I only had a book I had published in German on hand, so I respectfully presented it in person to Deputy Minister Sanae Takai. At that moment, although she smiled, she responded with an exceedingly cold gaze.

“I cannot read German, so… Even if I receive it, well…”

At that time, I was a foreign civil servant, in other words, a diplomat of our country. On occasion, I was involved in the overseas visits of members of the Imperial Family. I surmise that, if it were the members of the Imperial Family, they would have made such remarks in the same situation.

“This is… you have studied quite thoroughly. I appreciate your diligence. Thank you.”

Observing the seemingly smooth start of Prime Minister Takaichi’s diplomacy, a thought struck me: what is “dignity”? In the realm of diplomacy, especially in the context of “international protocol,” which I teach at the university level thanks to my current affiliations, there is a convention that men should not initiate a handshake with women. Men are only allowed to slightly touch a woman’s hand if she first indicates her willingness to shake hands. In accordance with this rule, since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proactively reaches out herself, it follows that closing the physical distance with counterparts from other nations, even if they respond to her approach, would not constitute a violation of “international protocol.”

However, how does this stand when viewed from the perspective of “dignity”? It is not my intention here to delve into this as a tedious subject for a lecture. Rather, I wish to focus on the words spoken by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and reflect on their nature in this regard. For instance, it is often said that the Chinese speak of the “world of Go,” while the Japanese, in contrast, speak of the “world of Shogi.” This implies that while both parties discuss worlds of differing dimensions, Japan tends to fixate on specific situations and small worlds, a characteristic that extends to its diplomatic practices. Although I am not directly involved in what could be termed classical intergovernmental diplomacy, I frequently find myself deeply pondering these matters in global conference settings. Discussions aimed at changing the overall rules of the world, akin to the “world of Go,” are consistently led by Europe, China, and the forceful United States. In contrast, Japanese participants invariably speak only of specific “situations” or “cross-sections,” resulting in their marginalization from the onset. Consequently, when Japan attempts to engage only after the rules have been altered, it is presented with the invoice for all costs incurred in restructuring. This pattern has become a so-called “tradition” of Japanese diplomacy ever since the Treaty of Versailles following World War I.

Distinct from others, it was the Showa Emperor himself who resolutely demonstrated a stance of “Here stands Japan,” as I have always believed. During his visits to Western countries in 1971, 1973, and 1975, he showcased to the world what significance our nation holds within human society. Naturally, these actions differ from the narrow definition of “diplomacy” as prescribed national acts; constitutionally, they remain mere “factual acts.” However, when considering that the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 and the Osaka Expo in 1970 were the first of their kind to be held in Asia, only 19 years after the defeat in World War II, the Showa Emperor’s “factual” demonstrations carried a robust message of “a desire for peace and hope for human unity.” This tangible leadership was instrumental in the post-war economic recovery of Japan, which reached its zenith between 1973 and 1974. This image of a “thriving nation” inspired the future leaders of developing countries, providing them with a beacon of hope and a model to aspire to. Given that these state visits were conducted by a “proponent of a new world order,” it is indeed a matter of fact that foreign nations warmly welcomed the Showa Emperor, and many people sensed it—the sentiment of “Here, indeed, is Japan.”

Everything is extremely challenging at the beginning. In German, there is a saying: “Aller Anfang ist schwer.” This is indeed true. I would like to refrain from criticizing the nascent foreign diplomacy of Prime Minister Takaichi. However, it is hoped that her demeanor and conduct on the international stage will embody “Japan’s dignity” and lead other nations. It is my hope that this will nurture a kind of leadership that is not merely based on the fact that she is the first female Prime Minister of our country. I earnestly wish for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to demonstrate “dignity” and a “distinct spiritual caliber” in this sense so that many nations will follow our country upon witnessing such leadership.

Following the long-awaited Japan-China summit, on the next day in Gyeongju, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi swiftly engaged in talks with the Taiwanese delegation, a move that the Chinese side “strongly condemned.” Indeed, diplomacy is an arena where mere words will not suffice, and it is certainly true that there are “non-negotiable interests” at stake. However, even in such circumstances, it is essential to discuss the higher notion of “dignity” and simultaneously understand what China genuinely desires from our country. As I recently learned in Beijing, the perception is that “from the perspective of China’s current regime, accepting individuals deemed as ‘financial criminals’ as de facto political asylum seekers and leaving them unchecked reflects a lack of trustworthiness in our country’s law enforcement and judiciary, as well as its political leadership. Why are we, uniquely in the world, extending a helping hand to them? This is seen as the greatest act of provocation.” Capturing this understanding, it is vital to skillfully employ assistants who can carry out timely and precise adjustments behind the scenes. I earnestly hope for the revival of the true “dignified” international friendship that the Showa Emperor and his (invisible) “retainers” once splendidly orchestrated across the globe.

At the Seaside of Atami, November 2, 2025

International Institute of Strategy, Inc. Founder/CEO/Global AI Strategist

Takeo Harada