More Americans think U.S.-Japan relations improved under Trump: poll

I think the headline to this story is a bit misleading. It seems to imply that US-Japan relations have improved significantly under Trump, compared to previous US administrations. But that’s not what the story is about. This poll just shows that there is a perceived improvement in US-Japan relations under Trump from his first year in office in 2017 to his third year in 2019. A 28-percent positive response is hardly an overwhelming endorsement. Although Trump would say it is, while tossing in a few superlatives like “tremendous” and “unbelievable”! Yawn...

In late years spin control of the comment of the Chinese Communist Party increases on the Internet

We do not dislike Trump.

Please do not be deceived

Of course

we are japanese support Trump.

The person that the supporter of Sanders wants to approach China

Americans have always felt screwed by Japan's semi-closed import laws and tariffs. Especially famous for delayed inspections of fruits and veg on hot summer days as the food rots in the heat.

it appears that Trump did something, not much, but something about that. That's what this poll was about, not whether Japanese people like Trump or not. Japan is so full of pacifists and lefties that few non-Bernie politicians would get much approval there.

As with all current polls, unless we understand how the sample was selected, we cannot trust the poll. Most polls these days are self-selected participants, which means it is extremely difficult to get a representative sample that actually reflects the true average of the target to be represented.

Growing percentage is a very strange phrase. Something is lost in the translation.

trump gave himself 10 /10 for his virus reaction.

What would that tell you?

Toasted Heretic,

Over here, I can count on one hand the amount of people who have anything good to say about him.

That's been my experience too.

Online, it's a different kettle of fish but in the real world, most Americans I've met can't stand the man and most Japanese laugh when they see him on the telly.

Sure, we been laughing at the fellah since back in the 80s.

Over here, I can count on one hand the amount of people who have anything good to say about him.

cyclemate-san,

In my business, I meet several hundred people a week. Many of them for the first time. Most are Okinawans, a lot of them are from mainland Japan and about one tenth of the total are Americans either working on base or serving the military in one way or another. Of these people very few have anything good to say about Trump and most detest him. This direct experience is what I base my opinion on.

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I'm curious who they polled, because most Americans wouldn't be aware of the state of such affairs.

I doubt that many in Japan, if this collection of comments is any indicator, understands that total number of votes is not how the US of A elects a president. It was NEVER they way, and never the intention of the constitution, or the founders of the nation.

Clearly we do understand it. It is a system that regularly elects as President a candidate who receives fewer votes than the main opponent.

Given that the electorial system goes back to the 18th century, when the states were far less connected, both physically and politically, it made sense, but not today. But still the electoral college is largely built in a system that represents the size of the population - California sends more electoral college representatives (55) than Vermont (3). .

Yet the system is still quite weird - the blunt first past the post system means that a Republican vote in California is always wasted.

The system also has developed a built in bias towards the Republican party - something that is basically impossible to change without constitutional change.

To be honest, I don’t even think most US citizens care. They have more important things to worry about.

True. US-Japan relations might be quite a big deal in Japan, but they are very low on the priority list in the USA.

Out of the 1000 or so US people polled, I am surprised that they know where Japan is!!

More government propaganda...

To be honest, I don’t even think most US citizens care. They have more important things to worry about.

Well, that's embarrassing. Is it possible that many Americans are ignorant of current events and global politics?

most don't even have a passport let alone any idea of current affairs or global politics....

*"Asked which country is the United States' top partner in Asia, 34 percent of respondents said Japan, with the most common reason being economic ties, followed by 22 percent for China and 10 percent for South Korea."*

Well, that's embarrassing. Is it possible that many Americans are ignorant of current events and global politics?

SaikoPhysco

Yes... and most voting Americans voted for Trump, so you can see how wrong these people can be.

Incorrect. Most voting Americans voted for his opponent.

Unfortunately, America's antiquated and convoluted presidential electoral system allows the person with fewer votes to win. (Crazy, huh?) The same thing happened in 2000 when George W. Bush "won".

Some serious warped opinions and so called facts about Trump here. Whats even more disturbing is that its said in comments that most military personal despise Trump. That is absolutely and unequivocally incorrect.

As far as Japanese hating Trump. I am going to have to challenge that as well. I would say a fair amount of Japanese dislike him yes. But a fair amount also disliked Obama. Japanese have tunnel vision and vast majority of Japanese could care less. As I am sure the vast majority of Americans back home do not even have an opinion on Mr. Abe. generally speaking here. Its just more of the same here onJ .t. Trash taking Trump.

Well the relations are better all around Asia, even with China though media makes it appear it isn't. Money always sticks with money, that is how it is in the real world.

Japanese think Trump is a pile of trash.

coz he is trash.

 I can't think of any president who has been so universally disliked.

That means he must be doing a terrific job!

Trump is too busy to harass Japan. and likely remain so for the rest of his time in the office.

I'd hazard a guess that by far the majority would know zilch about US-Japan relations. Zilch.

In fact I doubt most citizens couldn't even name the Prime Minister - altho some might say "Arbeee" if they can recall Trump's pronunciation of Abe's name.

Neither Hillary nor Trump received a majority (50%+) of votes.

Yes... and most voting Americans voted for Trump, so you can see how wrong these people can be.

Just to put the record straight, a minority voted for Trump. The majority voted for Clinton.

Ass-ho, that would make sense; most voter voted for Hilly, and we can see who wrong these "people"always are."

I doubt that many in Japan, if this collection of comments is any indicator, understands that total number of votes is not how the US of A elects a president. It was NEVER they way, and never the intention of the constitution, or the founders of the nation.

If that were the way, we would have idiots like Clinton elected! Seems few liberals understand that the job of being president requires much more skill than winning a poularity contest.

Well, Bertie Wooster,

In many respects, you are correct.

"I've not met one Japanese person....correct!" (who has anything good to say for him...incorrect) " and most Americans I come across, almost of them (?) in the military, don't have a good opinion of him either."

Can I ask? How many did you come across? We have to hope that was not meant in a Buttigieg sort-of-way?

I suspect that you hang out with people who think like you do, so it is natural you would have that experience.

"I can't think of any president who has been so universally disliked."

Universal, eh? Even as far as Aldebran? Tau Ceti? Just how did you take that survey, and how many did people from another universe did you pole? More than 1000?

No, please don't reply. I think the adults have heard enough.

Just to put the record straight, a minority voted for Trump.

Yes, but aren't we meant to understand Yes... and most voting Americans voted for Trump, so you can see how wrong these people can be.

as sarcasm?

Personally, I can't stand Trump, but my better half (Japanese) respects Trump and his actions. Needless to say, we have some rather heated conversations at times.

@Ah_so Thank you for pointing that out because if you didn't, I would have instead. And yep, that's right, Trump got LESS, LESS votes than Hillary did. By like 3 million votes I might add.

So for those of you who wanna bash Americans for "voting for Trump", I hate to break this to you but you're wrong. I mean take a look at the vote totals for yourself, and you'll see.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry is indulging in boiler-plate tatemae: fair-weather "friends", no more. With Trump running America any relationship can curdle before the ink is dry.

Yes... and most voting Americans voted for Trump, so you can see how wrong these people can be.

Just to put the record straight, a minority voted for Trump. The majority voted for Clinton.

In fact, in the last 30 years, only once has a republican candidate received more votes than a Democratic candidate.

I've not met one Japanese person who has anything good to say for him and most Americans I come across, almost of them in the military, don't have a good opinion of him either. I can't think of any president who has been so universally disliked.

Ha! With a minion like Abe, of course that's what Americans would think.

Japan has been a good ally and friend to America, has supported the U.S. In many conflicts or has allowed its land to be used like an aircraft carrier against Vietnam, Korean War, Iraq, Afghanistan.

Japan also pays the most money in the world to host U.S. Bases 3x as much as South Korea.

We employe millions of Americans in factories all over the U.S.

Japan should be treated with a lot more respect and friendship. Our interest should be taken seriously, our economy and companies should not be attacked with unfair taxes, tariff, barriers.

The Plaza Accord Japan signed in the 80s has been a disaster for our economy. 30 years of lost decades. Japan lost trillions and half its soul when it comes to innovation, creativity, competition.

1000 respondents does not give you enough information. I can question 1,000 people in the middle of the country that can't pick Japan out on a map.

Yeah whatever. Every word that comes out of his mouth is pure baloney. And with his latest stunt he seems to have incited a new surge of racism in the US. What will that do for US-Japan relations?

I am not a big fan of Trump, but I have to admit I was very happy and proud when he entered the Sumo ring last year.

Luckily, I had a seat on the ground floor near the back. It was a very emotional experience for me.

So, yes in spite of a lot of Japanese folks I meet who can't stand him, I think he has does something to contribute to US-Japan relations.

Yes... and most voting Americans voted for Trump, so you can see how wrong these people can be.