On the surface, it's all going to be a display of warmth, friendship, hospitality. But there's an undercurrent of awkwardness and concern about what the future might hold. ... We're coming to a decisive moment. This is, I think, the moment of truth.

.

Very true.

Point well stated.

It's pivotal - it's a decisive moment

.

If Trump insists on his MAGA policy to govern J - US trade talks, (esp on autos) - i think - we'll see Japan increasing entertain Asia & the Mid East.

.

.

The thing is US wants it both ways : they want/ need US Bases in Okinawa for strategic purposes - but they hedge on working collaboratively on trade.

.

.

Ha ha! Trump just downplayed NK missile tests. Great security partner for Abe when Japan is very concerned every time Kim fires off a round or two in the general direction of Japan. There, in a nutshell, is the relationship between Japan and the U.S.

Nah. It's all decided before the visit. Trump's visit is just a formality.

Smoke and mirrors, what we see, what we are allowed to see and what is really going on are never the same. Good investigative journalists with an in depth understanding can sometimes twitch the curtain aside a little for the rest of us. The rest just parrot the obvious and reprint the official communiques.

Poor China, tried to take Trump head on and must look at him smiling, playing golf with Abe and enjoying sumo, with the thought of where did we go wrong???

Don't worry. When Trump meets up with Xi again, the man-child will flip-flop again and shower Xi with praises again. It's all very predictable. Please, just let Abe enjoy his 15 minutes.