The foreign policy news in Japan over the first fifty days of Donald Trump’s second term as president was all about Trump. It was overwhelmingly negative. In the weeks before the inauguration, the tone already had been set. No matter conservative or progressive, the main newspapers of Japan agreed that trouble was brewing. Economic concerns were in the forefront even before early March when security alarm intensified. Remedies were few. Ishiba going to Washington to meet Trump seemed to offer only a feint hope. Republican leaders, on whom Japan had rested their hopes for decades, no longer offered any consolation. Joining with other democratic states drew limited attention, notably as Japanese felt alarm about the state of South Korean politics. Could Japan help to rescue free trade, as it rescued TPP after Trump pulled the US from the framework? There was only the slightest mention of this possibility. No comparable period since the start of the postwar era existed where hopelessness dominated. Not only was the world situation glum, but Japanese also had lost hope in their country’s ability to make an impact. Beyond the US about-face, pessimism reigned over China, Russia, and the Koreas.

Mainichi Shimbun editorialized on January 8 about the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol, asking whether democracy could be restored. It blamed Trump for the violence, which left a stain on the history of US democracy. The danger remains, as right-wing plotters treat Trump as a savior. Describing social rifts in the US, the paper left unclear the path forward. That day, Mainichi also editorialized about South Korea’s political chaos. It warned of a deteriorating situation in Northeast Asia as the clash between the ruling and opposition parties deepens and it becomes difficult to find a suitable response. North Korea is launching missiles, with the goal of targeting US forces on Guam. Blinken warned that Russia is trying to supply advanced missiles to North Korea. Trump is wary of alliance values. The new US administration must continue the trilateral of Japan, the US, and South Korea and tight Japan-ROK cooperation, while South Korean political leaders need to seek an early resolution to their chaos.

On January 8, Yomiuri editorialized on Trump’s tariffs and the world economy. It called Trump’s plans a huge challenge for international economic rules on which postwar prosperity depends. Major countries must join to oppose Trump’s tariff policies. In 2025, the curtain of protectionism has been lifted. Biden’s decision on a Japanese investment in US steel was proof that Trump is not alone, as the inward-looking direction of the American people strengthens. Only lately have we begun to see success in the war against historically high inflation. The biggest risk are the economic policies of Trump, challenging the world economic order. It is possible that Japan, with which the US has a big trade deficit, will also become Trump’s target. Japan has a huge role to play if the free trade system is shaken. This is seen in its success in pushing TPP forward after the US left it. In December 2024, it expanded to 12 countries with Great Britain’s entry and now is an economic sphere with 15% of the world’s GDP. One should be wary of the risk in China.

In an editorial on January 10, Sankei Shimbun responded to cable cutting, allegedly by Chinese ships. It called for a response to this serious threat. It also warned of similar incidents impacting Japanese and Taiwanese cables, noting that 99% of communications with the outside in Japan are through undersea cables. If China were to attack Taiwan, there is great fear that cables not only around Taiwan would be cut but also those on the seabed connected to Japan. The paper faults the foreign and defense ministers for staying silent on China’s intentional behavior and calls on the government to speak out at the scheduled February foreign ministers’ meeting.

On January 10, Asahi Shimbun editorialized about Jimmy Carter’s human rights legacy, praising him as a politician acclaimed not only in his home country. It compares his record, which still draws mixed reviews at home, with Sato Eisaku and Gorbachev’s. Ambivalence reflects the conflict in the US between international participation and isolationism, but he succeeded as an ex-president, few would deny, through citizen diplomacy. His achievements as president deserve to be reconsidered, if we look back calming down. Are not the very past principles, which the US had in abundance in human rights, democracy, and equality, being buried now? Carter’s civilian diplomacy remains as a model for later generations. We wish it will serve as a model for later generations, breathing new life into an era marked by uneasiness.

On January 12, Sankei warned of US policy toward China, saying that Foreign Minister Iwaya is concerned that it not split Japan and its ally. At the end of 2024, Iwaya had visited China, raising many concerns. Relations made no certain progress, but he did declare easing of visas for Chinese. The response inside Japan asked if Iwaya is prioritizing strengthened ties to China over building ties to the incoming Trump administration. I predict that while Trump strengthens a hardline posture toward China, China in order to drive a wedge between Japan and the US will come closer to Japan. Iwaya and Ishiya should take a more resolute attitude toward China, aiming to stop entry of Chinese ships near the Senkaku Islands while yielding a little on visas and other matters. As defense secretary having understood the importance of alliance relations, I want to believe, Ishiba should now absolutely avoid an image that appears to continue the foreign policy of Hatoyama of the DPP. The Osaka Kansai Expo opening on April 13. Even amid critical media reports, recently many forward-looking stories, e.g., about pavilion construction, have been timely. Although there are reports that targets have not been met in advance sales. A big boost is desired for detonating the Japanese economy through this expo.   
A Mainichi editorial on January 14 said that there must not be a deal rewarding Russia for trampling on international law and invading a neighbor. What is important is to defend the security of Ukraine. Regrettable is Trump’s posture leaning to Russia. Zelensky seeks a just and lasting peace, which should leave room for future diplomacy to regain Crimea while limiting the possibility of another invasion by Russia. If a ceasefire is reached, lots of problems will remain for guaranteeing the revival and security of Ukraine. Europe and Japan should continue to be engaged in Ukraine.
Yomiuri on January 16 commented on the arrest of Yoon Suk-yeol, a sitting president, noting the sharp clash of conservative and progressive parties in South Korea. It also pointed out that Yoon had acted in December after the opposition had paralyzed the National Assembly. The public is angry at them for adding to the disorder. Isn’t it time for calm discussion and court procedures? A Sankei editorial on January 16 also warned of political chaos in South Korea, reminding readers of troubles impacting previous presidents. Yet, it noted that Yoon is the first sitting president to be arrested and described paralysis in governance, causing harm to Korean citizens. The paper called for vigilance against North Korea and other neighboring autocracies in these conditions.

Sankei on January 22 editorialized that Ishiba should quickly go to the US to build ties with Trump, given concern over recent US retreats and the strengthening anti-US grouping of Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. One can praise Trump’s talk of “peace through strength,” but his retreat from the Paris climate accords and WHO deepen divisions in international society and serve autocracies. Trump should not take a neutral stance between Russia and Ukraine. This would be equal to ignoring the “rule of law,” which is the principle of the international order. In his threats to Panama and Denmark, Trump is following the common practice of China, and that is unacceptable. China is the greatest threat. Ishiba must tighten ties to Trump before a gap opens in Japan-US handling of it. Japan-US ties experienced honeymoons under Abe-Trump and Kishida-Biden, and we expect that they will continue to be stable. Trump referred to North Korea as a nuclear state. This should not be recognized. Ishiba must appeal for Trump’s indispensable help in resolving the abductee question. In his inaugural address, much was missing, including shared values and the importance of collective defense with allies. Ishiba should explain that these are essential for the “US golden age,” which Trump heralds. Japan at this time of increasing world uncertainty should defend the free and open order with the US.

 
Asahi on January 21 editorialized about a new world order ending its dependency on the US. This lowers the curtain on the eighty-year-old era of the US leading international society in a repeat of the historical pattern of a great power just pursuing its own interests. Rebuilding the order has begun. It is time for Japan, Europe, and others to assume responsibility, cooperating for a world controlled by rules. Instead of relations with allies, protectionism and self-interest is foremost. Following in Russia’s path, the US slights sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tariffs will disrupt the international economy and invite China to take the lead. We must not let Russia get away with invading Ukraine but respect the will of Ukraine. Continuity has been lost in the Asia-Pacific 15 years after Obama declared the US is a “Pacific nation.” It is not clear whether the Biden administration’s frameworks of the Quad, the Japan-US-ROK trilateral, and the Japan-US-Philippines trilateral will proceed. Trump’s “peace through strength” invites competition for military expansion. International society must not forget dialogues of the US and China to deal with Taiwan and North Korea. Inward-looking aspirations are not just found in the US as seen in recent elections. China and Russia will seize the opportunity for a multilateral order. Japan now urgently needs a diplomatic strategy after anchoring itself on the US through the postwar era. Japan must not extend its reliance solely on the US for security and a free trade system, but it needs to expand the sphere of its autonomous diplomacy with democratic states. It should play a larger role, deepening its presence also with developing states dealing with global problems.

A Yomiuri editorial on January 22 asked what does “America First” mean. It means trying to get even friendly states to bend to the US will. The curtain for a new uncertain era has been lifted, as Biden’s agenda is overturned. Trump has chosen yesmen in an inward-looking administration. The paper asked if tariffs would not rekindle inflation and become a barrier to the promise of “making America great again.” Intimidation of other countries by military force or economic sanction cannot be permitted. Trump’s threats strengthen China’s influence. Japan, Europe, and others in the democratic camp should join and spare no effort in connecting the US to a framework of international cooperation. Ishiba in meeting Trump should stabilize bilateral ties.

A February 5 Yomiuri editorial raised concerns about Trump’s tariff policies, toying with countries. A trade war is not beneficial to anyone. Trump should stop shaking up world markets. Another Yomiuri editorial on February 3 had warned that the door to trade wars has been opened, striking a blow to the world economy and international order. This will have very bad impact on Japan, e.g., on Toyota Motors, which has supply chains across the three North American states. When Ishiba talks with Trump on February 7 he should seek early removal of the tariffs.

A Yomiuri editorial on February 14 noted that in a phone call with Putin Trump agreed to start talks to end the Ukraine war, reversing Biden’s policy. Concern is spreading that Trump will cut a deal with Putin, making big concessions over the head of Zelensky. Recognizing Russia’s success in using force to change the status quo would invite the same situation in East Asia and beyond. For Trump to make a good “deal,” it would be desirable to advance talks that respect Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. Anyone could reach a ceasefire gifting Russia what it wants.

On February 18, Asahi praised talks among the foreign ministers of Japan, the US, and South Korea as collectively joining behind values and affirming the importance of an unshakeable group. The first joint meeting of the second Trump administration came against a background of concern about whether Trump, who likes bilateral deals, would maintain a trilateral entity which was strengthened under the Biden administration. The talks succeeded in reaching an agreement to oppose any attempts to change the status quo by force and to aim for complete denuclearization of North Korea. However, differences were exposed. The priority for Trump’s administration was strengthening containment of China, but for Japan and South Korea, the strongest expectations were to contain the threat from North Korea, which is accelerating its nuclear development. While being concerned about keeping ties with China, which has influence with North Korea, these countries must remain in the US camp. Trump wants dialogue with Kim Jong-un and may go over the head of Japan and South Korea to try to cut a deal. It is necessary, as the families of abductees age, to seek a resolution urgently with Japan, the US, and South Korea acting in unison. For the trilateral platform to be able to be maintained, good relations between Japan and South Korea, for which Yoon Suk-yeol played a big part, must be kept. The situation in South Korea now is not transparent. No matter the next administration, the Japanese government should forge lasting ties agreeing on history and apologies. The ROK side too must not let internal disorder infect foreign policy. Is a one-sided hardline policy toward North Korea correct? Should not a softer line be explored through dialogue drawing China in? As Trump’s ties to authoritarian states tighten and Yoon’s martial law threatened democracy, we must not overlook that liberal and democratic values are the starting point of this grouping.

A Sankei editorial on February 18 asked if it was not correct to join to stop Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, expressing concern about US plans to talk to Russia about a ceasefire without Ukraine. It feared that no just agreement could be reached without Ukraine and other states aiding it. Foreign Minister Iwaya stated that this should not end with Russia the victor. That would send a misleading message not only to China, but to the world. European leaders seek as conditions of a ceasefire that Russia cannot invade again. Organizing a peace-keeping force of countries of the willing is an important task ahead. The Ishiba administration too should consider its response.

On February 18, Yomiuri editorialized of the unease ahead from provocative comments made in Munich by the Trump administration, bringing into the open the rift between the US and Europe. US-Russia talks bypassing Ukraine cannot be allowed to result in an unfavorable outcome, it was said, as Trump emphasizes US interests over maintaining the international order. The editorial draws a parallel with Chamberlin in 1938 agreeing to the annexation of Czechoslovakia by Germany to prevent a wider war, an appeasement policy that invited the invasion of Poland and WWII. It is only natural that Europe be involved in ceasefire talks. For Iwaya, if Russia is victorious, it would send the wrong message to China and the world. China would take it as a green light to use force to unite with Taiwan. Japan too should not allow an invasion using force and should clearly express its thinking to strengthen international cohesion.

On March 6, Mainichi editorialized that Trump was trying to destroy the order that America had built. Commenting on his first speech to a joint session of Congress at a time of difficulties from rising inflation to the Ukraine war, the paper pointed to exaggerated claims of achievement as one party wildly celebrated and the other refused to stop its criticism as it left the chamber. Is the US really back? Claiming to go all out to end the Ukraine war, it is threatening Ukraine. Not differentiating friendly and enemy countries, it is launching trade wars against free trade via tariffs. It has stopped foreign aid used to alleviate poverty. In developing countries, reversing the way America has previously proceeded. Trump has turned his back on the global order, leaning to the aggressor Russia and pursuing protectionism divisive to the world economy. Appealing to grow stronger through the American dream, he is sacrificing the interests of international society, which the US has constructed. The main countries of Europe have begun to coalesce to reduce their dependency on the US. Japan should strive to narrow the divide between the US and Europe on the Ukraine question and contribute positively to peace.

Yomiuri editorialized on March 6 about Trump’s speech, asking of the “great US” was damaging itself. If the other side resists, the US acts solely on behalf of its immediate interests, forcing compliance. That will not restore American greatness but threatens to provoke a reaction in international society. The majority Republicans stood and applauded repeatedly, and it will be hard before next year’s mid-term elections for Congress to slow Trump down. Without US assistance, Ukraine in a matter of months will stop being able to ward off Russia’s attacks. This will enable Russia to invade other countries in violation of international law. We strongly urge the US to reverse the stoppage in assistance to Ukraine. The US does not how much of a blow it is striking to the international order, which it has led. Tariffs plunge the world economy into chaos, and fears are great that it will restoke inflation in the US. Cutting aid to African states and others means that China will increase its own assistance, gaining the edge over the US. Eroding the trust and status the US built over a long time is beneficial not only to Russia, but to China. In its headline, the editorial charged that Trump was destroying the liberal order with his hands.