WASHINGTON (AP) — A joke by U.S. President Donald Trump referencing the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sparked outrage in Japan, overshadowing the official purpose of her visit to Washington.
Trump made the remark Thursday in response to a question from a Japanese reporter regarding the U.S.’s failure to consult with allies before its recent military action against Iran. According to reports, Trump quipped, “We wanted a surprise. Who knows better about surprises than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbour?”
The comment, referencing the surprise attack by Japan on the U.S. naval base in Hawaii that led to America’s entry into World War II, was widely perceived in Japan as insensitive and insulting to a key ally. News outlets in Japan quickly reported on the incident, with many expressing shock and disappointment.
While the Japanese Prime Minister visibly stiffened during the exchange, she offered a measured response during the joint press conference.
The meeting between Trump and Takaichi occurred at a delicate moment, as the U.S. and Israel continue military operations against Iran. Japan, along with other nations, is concerned about the potential for disruptions to global energy supplies, particularly as attacks targeting energy infrastructure in the Middle East have driven up oil prices. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes through the region.
Trump has previously urged Japan to contribute to escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that Iran has threatened to close. However, public opinion in Japan is strongly opposed to any military involvement in the conflict, with recent surveys indicating that nearly 90% of Japanese citizens are against Tokyo’s participation.