'Japan First' mindset key for Ishiba in dealing with Trump: president's ex-adviser

It must be surreal for Japanese, who spent so much blood and so many tears building the democracy they have today, watch one of the countries that helped them towards freedom give up theirs so easily. Japan first indeed!

One can't put themselves first in a master-servant-style relationship when one is the latter.

How selfish of him. That's not how it works. Need to read the fine print.

Guy_Gin_and_Tonic

What are you taking about? Japan is based on the U.S. and the war machine it is. The Vietnam war and Korean war built Japan’s economy and it’s mediocre post wars management show Japanese haven’t been able to lead in Asia overall. The content running to the U.S. masters is amazing. I’ve lived all over the world and I have never seen so much sucking up to Washington political machine as the Japanese one. Yes America has surrender their freedoms to a nazi playbook but frankly speaking Japanese politics are so lame it doesn’t matter what they say. There is no actual influence in the world and it’s been that way based on the constant American presence in every aspect of Japanese political system. That’s frankly why most Japanese care nothing for the Japanese political system. Japan didn’t sweat blood making this country. It was enslaved by America at its will.

Trump doesn't like losers. He will probably wait until the next PM comes along.

If all nations followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s own nation first policy, what would become of the world? Going back to that hasted colonialism and imperialism where the law of the jungle dominated people's mindset, thus resulting in wars and social insurrection? Does the world community like that?

Here is my advice to Prime Minister Ishiba:

Don’t worry about having a “personal relationship” with Trump.

Always focus on the long-term relationship between the two states, Japan and the USA, rather than on personal ties. Trump is merely a small hiccup in U.S. history. Ignore him if necessary.

Trump is merely a small hiccup in U.S. history. Ignore him if necessary

how many more ishiba’s will there be during Trump’s 4 years?

talk about a hiccup. Ishiba needs Trump, not the other way around.

I have a feeling this is more to do with the fact Trump is unlikely to be in a rush to meet Ishiba. Face-saving before the egg hits the face. I don't think any of the Biden puppets in Japan, South Korea or the Philippines were invited to the inauguration.

Yes that is TRUE, Pres. Trump said in his speech during the first term that America will be first and you should do be doing the same your countries.

This mindset is the only reason why your people elected you.

Any country that DOESNT put themselves and their own people first is what?

That’s common sense to do so.

All countries do this already, but pretend otherwise for the sake of diplomacy. You can't win an election if you're not looking out for your own voters first. Japan excels at the pretending part.

If all nations followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s own nation first policy, what would become of the world? Going back to that hasted colonialism and imperialism where the law of the jungle dominated people's mindset, thus resulting in wars and social insurrection? Does the world community like that?

I put myself first and you put yourself first. Of course.

Then depending on who negotiates best from a better position of strength, one side becomes first and the other side defers.

since the beginning of time, it’s not new.

"It doesn't help to have a Japanese prime minister who is going to kowtow to the president,"

Ah, but he will, Mr. Machida. He most certainly will. Any Japanese leader who stood up to Trump would immediately find Trump just leaving and going to deal with China and a leader he respects as a "strongman", or with Putin in Russia. Unfortunately for us, Trump does not respect Japan or its leaders. You could see that clearly when he left Abe in the sandtrap while golfing so that he could go talk to someone he was actually interested in -- Matsuyama.

A Stronger, Independent Japan: Advocating for a “Japan First” Policy

In an era where global alliances and shifting power dynamics define security and economic strategies, Japan must take a firm and proactive stance in prioritizing its sovereignty and national interests. A “Japan First” policy is not about isolationism—it is about demonstrating to the world that Japan is prepared to defend its borders, protect its citizens, and contribute to global stability as an equal and capable partner.

Defending Sovereignty with Strength

Japan should unequivocally show that it will not tolerate violations of its airspace or territorial waters. Whether it’s Chinese or Russian planes, ships, or drones, Japan must exercise its right to defend itself decisively. Taking such actions not only reinforces our sovereignty but also sends a clear message that Japan is a strong and dependable security partner. Strength garners respect, and respect fortifies alliances.

Rethinking U.S. Bases and Self-Reliance

While the U.S.-Japan alliance has been instrumental in maintaining regional stability, Japan must develop a long-term strategy to reduce dependency on U.S. military presence. This includes building our own robust nuclear and non-nuclear deterrence capabilities. An independent, self-reliant Japan strengthens its position as a credible ally and ensures that we are not seen merely as a dependent state, but as a nation capable of protecting itself and contributing meaningfully to global security.

Building True Alliances Based on Equality

For Japan to maintain and deepen its alliance with the United States, we must demonstrate that we are not just a passive beneficiary but an active partner. By taking responsibility for our own defense, we enhance our credibility and ensure that the alliance is based on mutual respect and shared values. This aligns with the perspective of leaders like former U.S. President Trump, who emphasized the importance of allies taking responsibility for their own security.

A Vision for the Future

Japan’s path forward must be guided by a vision of strength, self-reliance, and proactive leadership on the global stage. A “Japan First” policy is not a rejection of alliances or cooperation; it is a call to rise to the challenges of our time with courage and determination. By prioritizing our sovereignty, investing in our defense, and showing that we are ready to defend our nation, Japan can secure its place as a nation of strength and a true partner in shaping a stable and prosperous future for the world.

The time for action is now. Let us forge a future where Japan stands tall—ready, capable, and resolute. Otherwise Japan will face the hard realities of a Trump administration that would very well easily abandon Japan and that would be a direct result of over pacifist mentality of both the Japanese government and it’s people.

リッチToday  06:43 pm JST

Yes Japan first. And follow the law. He is a convicted felon. Based on Japanese visa restrictions he is now allowed to visit. Let him follow Japan law. He is banned.

This is interesting. Over 20 US Presidents have visited Japan, 14 of them while in office, including Trump during his first term. Waiting to see how Japan will make an exception for this convicted felon to enter Japan. But in most cases nations that prohibit entry only do so if sentenced to 12 months or more, which Trump managed to avoid. Canada is quite strict, and maybe that's why he wants to make it a US state. lol

Ishiba heads a minority government. Not really worth Trump's time (and he can't play golf).

Trump is a business person, he likes making "deals", regardless whether he's good or not. Make a deal he can't refuse. Japan didn't become wealthy if it also don't know how to make deals.

As much as I dislike Trump and his billionaires, it's not going to be all bad like many SNS echo chambers claim it to be.

Japan first??? Please..... When you already subjugated yourself, your own defense, its game over, don't pretend.

Before you say anything. look around you, how many countries, much weaker than you, but don't depend on America for their defense/umbrella/etc. They have neighbors whom they have difficulty with too. Then you can start talking.

Only thing Trump understands is lawsuits,he will spend most of his administration giving deposition

Is Ado Machida really a credible source any government of Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba would take "advice" from?

Ado Machida past "involvement" is little more than opinion to generate a brief news headline.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba priorities are clear, J economic outcomes, short medium term J security costs and obligations, the possible implications of trade tariffs.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has teams of skilled advisers to guide a coherent strategy to find a route for credible cooperation between allies.

Japan first, go it alone and let's see how far that gets you. Be careful what you ask for; the USA may pull out completely, so what will you do?

Taking a "Japan First" mindset is vital for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to build meaningful ties with Donald Trump, according to a former policy adviser to the U.S. president.

Of course and may it always be so. Japanese politicians should work for the Japanese people and for the welfare of the Japan. American politicians should work for the American people for the welfare of the America.

I understand, however, that some do not share this view and instead believe that the politicians of various nation should not work for the people of those nations, but rather for transnational, global entities. While the heart of such people is perhaps in the right place, to see a world unified by our common humanity, their desire to sacrifice the culture of individual nations to achieve this goal is ultimately their Achilles heel. For all the talk of diversity, these people want a world where everything is culturally homogeneous. A true globalism will only come when nations learn to love their own uniqueness while respecting the uniqueness of others. A unity with plurality. The attempt by globalists to make all nations uniform is doomed to failure from the start.

And for all those who worry about "America first," "America first" does not mean "America only." It means that America must concern itself first with its own issues, which are numerous, before helping others. I understand through, some prefer, for example, spending American tax payer's money to fight to protect the national borders of Ukraine all while ignoring the national borders of America, but this is completely backward. But John Lennon sings well, "Imagine there are no borders," so some want to feel good and watch the nation fall apart. Or is that actually the plan of some?

2 things trump believes in.

1 : It is all about me.

2 : Do as I say, not as I do.

There's putting yourself first, and then there's putting yourself first at the expense of others.