VOX POPULI: Can't stop seeing minister's self-abasement at the White House
U.S. President Donald Trump, left, signs a cap for Ryosei Akazawa, the minister of economic revitalization, in a meeting at the White House on April 16. (Provided by the White House)
Ever since I saw a particular photo released by the White House, I have been unable to get it out of my mind.
It shows Ryosei Akazawa, the minister in charge of economic revitalization, giving two thumbs-up while wearing a red baseball cap emblazoned with U.S. President Donald Trump's MAGA (Make America Great Again) slogan.
One of my friends, a diplomat, once told me about diplomacy's 'three objectives,' all of which are of equal importance.
One is to protect the economic interests of citizens. This is certainly the focal point of Tokyo's ongoing negotiations with Washington over Trump's tariffs, given their serious impact on many Japanese corporations.
Another is to protect the lives and property of citizens, matters of national security. In recent talks, the cost of U.S. troops stationed in Japan has come up as a topic of discussion.
In Japan-U.S. relations, a trade issue can sometimes become combined with a defense issue.
As for the third objective, my friend said cheerfully, 'It's also important for diplomacy to give people reasons to be truly happy and proud to be citizens of their country.'
My friend's point was that even if the nation's immediate interest is sidelined in favor of upholding some lofty principle, such as human rights or peace, such diplomatic decisions can make people proud and ultimately serve the 'national interest' over the long term.
These comments are what the MAGA cap picture made me recall.
I am fully aware of the danger of mentioning something like 'national interest' carelessly, but I cannot remain silent now.
That's because the superficial smile on Akazawa's face beneath the MAGA cap suggested the contrived 'self-humiliation' of a shameless bootlicker.
I get that extreme forbearance is sometimes needed during difficult negotiations, and I am in no way criticizing him for not putting on a tougher act.
But, still ... all kinds of contradictory conjectures are swirling in my head, and will not leave me.
—The Asahi Shimbun, April 22
* * *
Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
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