President Donald J. Trump greeted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House on Thursday, and Takaichi brushed off Trump’s attempt at a handshake, opting to give him a big ol’ hug instead.
As seen in the video below, the prime minister was not hesitant to show her affection for the American president.
This is so adorable. I thought the Japanese Prime Minister would bow. Instead she ran for a hug from the president, pic.twitter.com/eB7vEXm3n5
— USMC Lady Vet 🇺🇸 (@Arkypatriot) March 19, 2026
Compliments were flowing during a White House dinner, as Takaichi wished Trump’s youngest son, Barron, a happy birthday — Barron, who will turn 20 on Friday, was not on the guest list for the dinner.
“I would like to start off by extending my sincere congratulations on two important anniversaries,” Takaichi said, as Trump stood next to her.
“Donald, tomorrow is the birthday of your son, Mr. Barron Trump, and I know he has grown up so much into a very tall, good-looking gentleman,” she continued.
“As I see you Donald, it is very clear where he got it,” Takaichi quipped. “Of course, from his parents. There is no doubt about it. So Donald, if I may ask you, please convey my sincere Happy Birthday wishes to him.”
Omg. The prime minister of Japan just wished Barron Trump a happy birthday and gave President Trump the most adorable compliment:
“He has grown up so much, into a very tall, good looking gentleman. As I see you, Donald, it is very clear where he got it.”😭pic.twitter.com/EvXmuRXX7u
— johnny maga (@johnnymaga) March 19, 2026
And the charm didn’t stop there, as seen in the Japanese prime minister’s exorbitant praise of Trump’s global influence.
“I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world,” Takaichi said during a meeting in the Oval Office. “And to do so, I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community to achieve our objective together. So today, I came here at the White House to directly convey this message to you.”
🚨 WOW! Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi just STUNNED the world, declaring only President Trump can achieve peace as he decimates the Iranian regime
“I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world!”
“And to do so, I am ready to reach out to many… pic.twitter.com/DKNPuFyZK2
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 19, 2026
Social media users were quick to point out that for a woman, hugging goes against Japanese culture, suggesting true affection — here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story, as seen on X:
I just love the Japanese people. Based AF, protect their culture and homogeny. High trust, high honor, high shame.
Hugging isnt a very Japanese thing to do, and I think she did it as a courtesy to OUR culture. I dont think she was comfortable with it, but she did it anyway.
— Idiocracy Was Prophecy (@shansen008) March 19, 2026
Very, very rare for a Japanese woman to do that.
— Kaby🇺🇲 (@ConservativeKAB) March 19, 2026
having been stationed in Japan for many years, this is a bigger deal than many realize. Goes against her culture and shows you how much she adores Trump… love to see it!
— Sumdog (@Sumdog9879) March 19, 2026
The world knows how great Trump is.
It’s only a few ugly Americans who are too stupid to get it.
— Just A Girl (@ElegantExigence) March 19, 2026
To think, we went from the bombing of Pearl Harbor, WWII, occupied Japan, rebuilding relationship, to this – proving nations can and do heal when they work together.
— Shari (@sanniessmith) March 19, 2026
I just love seeing that! As a Country and a People, I think the Japanese are just amazing, the more we can support them, and they us, the better both countries will be IMO.
— El Sloshy (@ElSloshy) March 19, 2026
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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