Moshitora, a Japanese word that had slipped into the background has re-emerged as Donald Trump returns to the campaign trail. The word moshitora which means "what if Trump", was first used during the 2016 election. It reflects Japan's concerns about the implications of a potential second Trump term for US-Japan relations.
Businesses also see Trump as a risk because of the protectionist policies that were put in place during his first tenure. As Japan foresees the possibility of Trump becoming president again, therefore, it's making an effort to talk to people close to him to make sure the US makes decisions that have Asia's best interests at heart.
Background info:
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Term Origin: "Moshitora" refers to the phrase "もしトランプが大統領だったら" (moshi toranpu ga daitōryō dattara), which translates to "what if Trump were president". This term was popularized in Japan during Trump's initial presidential campaign.
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Cultural Context: The term plays on "Moshidora," a popular Japanese novel and film about a high school girl who becomes the manager of a baseball team and applies management principles to improve the team’s performance.
- Security Alliances: Japan's defense strategy, heavily reliant on US support, could be affected by Trump's foreign policy.
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Regional Tensions: Japan is concerned about how another Trump administration might handle tensions with North Korea and China, both critical issues for Japan’s national security.
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Economic Policy: Trump's economic policies, including his "America First" agenda, previously impacted Japan, leading to concerns about potential future economic friction.
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Political Visits: In April, former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso met with Trump in New York, underscoring the importance Japan places on maintaining dialogue with potential future U.S. leaders.
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Public Opinion: Japanese public opinion is divided, with some viewing Trump’s leadership style as potentially beneficial for Japan’s security, while others are concerned about his unpredictable approach to international relations.
*Protectionist policies are measures taken by a government to restrict or limit international trade.