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Trump’s last diehard Japanese fans lose faith as Iran war chaos spreads
Concerns in Japan are also mounting over the security ties between Japan and the US as Trump seeks to withdraw more troops from Europe
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In the weeks leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration, conservatives in Japan were delighted and hopeful that his return would usher in robust economic growth, new trade opportunities and a stronger security relationship with Tokyo.
Barely 18 months later, many of those same conservatives admit to being shocked at the state of the bilateral relationship and the mounting global uncertainties the US president’s policies have produced.
For some of his diehard supporters in Japan, the conflict he started in Iran was the final straw. Among them is Ken Kato, who owns a company in Tokyo that sells religious items.
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“Everything that is going on right now is worrying because the decisions he is making have a direct impact on people in Japan,” Kato said.
“Petrol prices have risen, but not too much, although that could change. But the price of everything else has gone much higher, especially food. This is very worrying for ordinary people.”
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Kato said he was horrified at Trump’s recent decision to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Nato ally Germany after Berlin refused to commit its forces to the US-Israel war on Iran. Trump has made similar threats against Italy and Spain.
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