How Japan held ‘study sessions’ before successful meeting with Trump
In a "Trump strategy meeting" with his staff, the biggest piece of advice Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reportedly got was: "Conclusion first. Keep it simple"
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House was not going to be a walk in the park, given the erratic nature of the latter.
To ensure its status as a top US ally and friend, Japan, however, had a plan.
Ishiba had gone to the US prepared.
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The prelude to the meeting involved "study sessions" between Ishiba and his staffers, alongside seeking advice from his predecessor Fumio Kishida.
In a "Trump strategy meeting" with his staff, the biggest piece of advice he reportedly got was: "Conclusion first. Keep it simple", reports BBC.
He also had some help from the widow of the late former PM Shinzo Abe, who had a close relationship with Trump during his first presidency, forged on the golf course.
In the end, as far as Japan is concerned, the meeting was reassuring.
"On television, he is very frightening," Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters after Friday's meeting.
"But when I met him, he was very sincere, very powerful and strong-willed," he added.
Japan has been the top foreign investor in the US for five consecutive years, creating thousands of jobs. And there are 54,000 US military personnel stationed in Japan.
Trump has declared tariff wars against China, Canada and Mexico, alongside proposing a US "ownership" of the Gaza Strip.
His decision-making has kept both foes and friends on edge.
