Abe's strategy was to ally strongly with the United States and present himself as the loyal sidekick in Northeast Asia facing China and North Korea. But when Trump decided otherwise, he was badly wrong-footed. He is still living with the consequences, trying to make himself relevant again in the geopolitics of Northeast Asia.

Abe's strategy was to ally strongly with the United States and present himself as the loyal sidekick in Northeast Asia facing China and North Korea.

Loyal sidekick? That's putting it politely..

But when Trump decided otherwise, he was badly wrong-footed. He is still living with the consequences, trying to make himself relevant again in the geopolitics of Northeast Asia.

Very true. He's totally irrelevant

Abe has negative credibility when it comes to anything Korea related.

As you can see, Trump couldn't care less about loyalty or anything like that. But that was what Abe was banking on. "Hey Donny, I'm your loyal sidekick, and together we will control China and whatever else goes on in the Asian sphere." But Trump cut a side deal with Kim, making Abe's groveling and running to New York look so weak and pathetic.

I also find it interesting that Trump always hosts Abe at the Trump tower. What is that about? I know he is in New York for the UN summit, but is this some kind of power play?

Clueless at politics. Professional ass kisser.

Abe only has the job because he's acceptable to the US State Department, Keidanren and the Nippon Kaigi throwbacks, in that order.

This story and narrative is far from over though, Japan still has a massive role to play regardless of what Trump says or does. Don’t see Kim winning over the hearts of the free world any time soon, no matter how slimey and opportunistic his diplomats can be.

Although obviously not a popular figure with many JT readers, Abe and Japan are far from been left out in the cold nor irrelevant.

Ricky,

Name one instance where Abe has been relevant in the last ten years. I can give you many examples of the opposite. Too many.

"loyal sidekick" is a nice way of saying "lap dog".

Zurcronium I get it. Gotta admit the dressing as Mario thing was kawaii. Reckon though he is a lot smarter than any of us mere keyboard experts give him credit for, no matter what you think of his policies. if you had a choice between having a beer with him or Kim though?