Golden golf balls and US trucks: How Japan welcomes Trump
Japan is an important partner of the United States. Nevertheless, relations under Donald Trump are not always easy. However, during his visit to Tokyo, the US president likely has reason to smile.
Japan's new government wants to build friendly relations with US President Donald Trump – and is going to astonishing lengths to do so. When Trump arrives in Tokyo today for a three-day visit, kicking off with an audience with Emperor Naruhito, not only will around 18,000 police officers be on duty to protect him. According to Japanese television station NHK, the Ministry of Transportation in Tokyo also wants to treat the guest to the sight of massive American pickup trucks – apparently as a gesture in light of the difficult trade talks. Trump had complained that Japan hardly allows American cars into the country.
The fact that the wide US bodies are quite unsuitable for the often narrow streets of Tokyo and other Japanese cities doesn't seem to matter. According to the report, the trucks will be exhibited at the site of the summit planned for Tuesday with Japan's new national-conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Takaichi will likely benefit from her very close relationship with her assassinated predecessor, Shinzo Abe, with whom Trump maintained a particularly close friendship.
The US president, who visited the Asian country three times during his first term, enjoyed playing golf with Abe and watching sumo wrestling with him. According to NHK, Takaichi is now considering giving Trump a golf club once used by Abe—along with gold-leaf golf balls.
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