Japanese PM's casual gestures at APEC stir discussion in Japan
(ECNS) -- Recently, Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office released an official diplomatic video showing Sanae Takaichi at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, where she was seen leaning on tables, sliding chairs, putting her arm around other leaders, and playfully waving paper slips.
These actions sparked heated discussion online, with some netizens questioning whether the video was intentionally portraying her in a bad way.
Some Japanese commented that “You should apologize when you run into someone. Also, leaning on a table with your hand and even your backside while talking seems rude.” Some criticized that “While shaking hands with world leaders, Takaichi scooted around while still in her chair, and didn’t even apologize when she bumped into someone.” One comment said that Takaichi’s actions were unbearable to watch.
Late last month, during the APEC summit, Takaichi was seen propping herself on a table while talking to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, waving to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and sliding her chair over to chat with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto while accidentally bumping the Indonesian foreign minister’s elbow in the process. She also put her arm around Chilean President Gabriel Boric, which some critics said appeared overly familiar.
(By Gong Weiwe)