Thursday, October 30, 2025-During his visit to Tokyo, President Donald Trump set off a wave of commentary after telling Japan’s first female Prime Minister that she had a “very strong handshake.” The remark, made in front of cameras during a bilateral meeting, drew both laughter and visible discomfort in the room.
While Trump appeared to intend it as a compliment, many observers saw the comment as emblematic of his unpredictable and often gender-charged approach to diplomacy. The encounter, though brief, quickly overshadowed the economic discussions meant to highlight U.S.–Japan cooperation.
Public reaction has been swift across both nations. Japanese citizens flooded social media with mixed feelings — some brushed it off as harmless humor, while others criticized it as patronizing and outdated.
Women’s rights advocates in Japan said the remark detracted from the historic moment of the nation’s first woman leading its government. In the U.S., Trump supporters defended him as “authentic” and “unscripted,” while critics accused him of undermining a milestone for gender equality with a careless quip.
Analysts say the moment underscores how Trump’s personal style continues to dominate headlines, often eclipsing policy substance. For Japan, the Prime Minister’s calm and composed response was widely praised as a show of professionalism under pressure.
Still, the viral exchange may linger as a symbolic reminder of the cultural and diplomatic tightrope leaders walk in Trump’s orbit. As the trip continues, attention now shifts to whether meaningful agreements can emerge beyond the headlines of handshake diplomacy.
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