How Sanae Takaichi is redefining Japanese diplomacy with personal touches

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been putting her own spin on omotenashi, the Japanese concept of hospitality, to build personal rapport with foreign leaders as her diplomatic skills are put to the test about six months into office.

Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, who was not widely known for her diplomatic experience before taking office, has been adding an element of entertainment to summit talks and relying on personal gifts to win over her counterparts.

Most recently, Takaichi performed the “Kamehameha” gesture from the popular Japanese manga Dragon Ball during a joint press appearance with French President Emmanuel Macron, a known fan of the series.

Macron responded with a smile, creating a moment of ease after serious talks on shared challenges, including the situation in the Middle East.

Shortly after becoming prime minister in October, she beamed aboard a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at the US Navy base in Yokosuka near Tokyo alongside President Donald Trump, raising her fist in front of military personnel in a display highlighting the strength of the bilateral alliance.