2018/11/12 by Eiji Oguma, Oguma, Eiji
Social Sciences · #Chinese history and philosophy #International Relations and Foreign Policy #Japanese History and Culture
paper · doi:10.25613/6h75-k094
openalex publication_date 2020/09/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The following three characteristics can be discerned among reactions by conservative elements in Japan to Trump’s ascendancy to the US presidency: 1) approval of Trump’s defeat of “liberal” forces in the 2016 election; 2) approval of the new US president’s criticism of China and support for Japan’s nuclear armament, and; 3) belief that Trump’s victory represents an opportunity to bring about change in Japan. However, such conservative elements are polarized between those holding pro- and those holding anti-US sentiments. Both sides are looking to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to play a key role in formulating and executing initiatives aimed at building a viable relationship with the US that also benefits Japan.