Takaichi Draws Backlash Over May 28 Dinner Singing With Marcos as PM Office Pushes 'Music Diplomacy'
Updated
Updated · Global Times · May 30
Takaichi Draws Backlash Over May 28 Dinner Singing With Marcos as PM Office Pushes 'Music Diplomacy'
1 articles · Updated · Global Times · May 30
A video from the May 28 post-summit dinner with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. went viral after Sanae Takaichi was shown singing, swaying and flashing two fingers above her head.
The Japanese Prime Minister's Office and a government-linked X account cast the scene as “music diplomacy,” saying Takaichi sang to “Hey Jude” and Marcos joined in, but many online critics called the display unfit for diplomacy.
Netizens argued the publicity trivialized statecraft and distracted from the summit's substantive agenda, with some describing Takaichi's conduct as rowdy, vulgar and damaging to Japan's image.
The backlash adds to scrutiny of Takaichi's unconventional diplomatic style, which has drawn criticism before and comes as Tokyo seeks closer security ties with Manila amid wider regional tensions.
Is Takaichi's 'music diplomacy' a clever mask for Japan's military ambitions or a sign of an inexperienced leader?
Is Japan's first female PM a diplomatic liability at home but a welcome, assertive ally abroad?
Will Takaichi’s hawkish stance forge a stronger Japan or push the Asia-Pacific region closer to conflict?