Trump passes tricky protocol test with Japanese emperor
TOKYO: To bow or not to bow: That was the question when United States President Donald Trump held a closely watched meet-and-greet with the Japanese emperor laden with potential protocol pitfalls.
Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, sparked a firestorm of criticism during a trip to Japan in 2009, w h e n h e w a s p h otographed in an almost 90-degree bow to the diminutive Emperor Akihito. US conservatives chided Obama for the act of deference towards Akihito, the son of wartime emperor Hirohito, in whose name Japanese troops fought in World War 2.
So, all eyes were on the meeting between the two heads of state in famously polite Japan, where bowing is a way of life.
But the gaffe-prone Trump appeared to plot a respectable middle ground, slightly inclining his head upon meeting the 83-yearold despite towering over him.
The two couples were then led a room where they engaged in deep conversation with the aid of interpreters. And Trump is the second unorthodox world leader to meet the emperor in a week.
Last Monday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, not generally known for his respect of formal protocols, also received an audience at the palace.
The occasionally foul-mouthed Duterte pledged to “limit my mouth” before his trip to Tokyo.
Japanese tabloid Yukan Fuji said the meeting was peaceful, and Duterte bowed repeatedly towards the emperor and the empress afterwards. AFP