The White House broadcast footage of Japan's female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, raising her fist and smiling with excitement during a dinner event, which became widely discussed when compared to the solemn atmosphere that had previously welcomed the presidents of Ukraine and the Israeli prime minister.
This moment extended beyond political news, as netizens edited and mocked it by comparing her to the “Cart Titan” from the popular animation Attack on Titan, turning it into a viral meme across the global internet.
An intriguing question is why Japan’s online world views their leader through this character? The hesitant smile and seemingly submissive demeanor conceal discomfort amid diplomatic pressures to uphold dignity, regional conflict stances, and sensitive historical wounds.
The source of the awkwardness began in the Oval Office during a joint press conference when Morio Shichiiwa, a TV Asahi reporter, bluntly asked President Donald Trump, “Why did the U.S. not notify its allies in advance before attacking Iran?”
Instead of a diplomatic answer, Trump retorted, “Who knows surprises better than Japan? Why didn’t you warn us about Pearl Harbor?”
This statement immediately cast a gloomy mood over the press room, especially shocking the Japanese side. Takaichi widened her eyes momentarily, then chose silence and offered a wry smile without responding.
Looking back, the wounds from Pearl Harbor and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima are historical scars that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and former President Barack Obama sought to delicately heal and move beyond together since 2016.
Trump’s casual mention of this to deflect attention from Middle East warfare was heavily covered by the media, attracting more attention than the details of the leaders’ discussions.
The historic image from Washington was swiftly turned into an anime meme overnight. This carries deeper implications beyond humor, as the Cart Titan in Attack on Titan does not walk upright majestically nor lead boldly but crawls on all fours, primarily carrying supplies, weapons, and acting as a support unit for Marley’s army.
This reflects how some Japanese feel that the prime minister’s conciliatory, appeasing stance and silence in face of Trump’s disparaging remarks makes Japan appear burdened with heavy responsibilities.
This includes hosting U.S. military bases and complying with U.S. Indo-Pacific strategies, while perhaps not yet treated as an equal partner.
Former diplomat Hitoshi Tanaka views this as sycophantic diplomacy, especially evident in submissive behavior and praising Trump as the sole peacemaker.
Meanwhile, Chinese social media platforms Weibo and Douyin seized the opportunity to attack Japan as merely “America’s cheerleader,” mocking that even after 80 years, Japan cannot firmly stand against the U.S.
However, from another perspective, Asahi news reports that the Japanese government may see things differently. This visit occurred amid Iran tensions, and Tokyo’s greatest concern was avoiding public criticism from Trump, which would be the worst outcome they sought to prevent.
Therefore, Takaichi’s strategy of flattering Trump and avoiding criticism of international law regarding the U.S. attack on Iran may be a tactic to preserve bilateral relations.
The resulting cost is Japan accepting a heavy burden—U.S. pressure to participate in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran’s attempts to disrupt oil supply chains amid current tensions.
In exchange, Japan will gain opportunities to build advanced nuclear reactors in the U.S. and reaffirm commitments to strengthen the alliance, including continued U.S. nuclear umbrella protection from threats.
Ultimately, the drama of the two leaders at the White House and the Cart Titan meme is not merely internet humor but reflects some Japanese people’s discomfort with their leader’s role on the international stage.
The undeniable reality is that Japan and the U.S. remain mutually indispensable: Japan still needs security protection from regional threats, while the U.S. requires trusted bases and allies to counterbalance China.
In the complex arena of international politics, Japan may have limited choices and sometimes must accept a supportive role akin to the Cart Titan, bearing allies’ military equipment and expectations—even if it means forced smiles amid jokes that reopen painful national historical wounds.
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