TOKYO (Realist English). A new survey conducted by Kyodo News reveals that 81% of Japanese citizens feel “more anxious than hopeful” about the second term of U.S. President Donald Trump, which began in January 2025. Only 17% of respondents expressed the opposite view.
The top concerns cited by respondents were:
- 42% feared the impact of Trump’s tariff policies on global free trade
- 41% cited his unpredictable behavior and decision-making
The mail-in survey, conducted between March 4 and April 14, targeted 3,000 individuals across 250 districts in Japan. A total of 1,867 valid responses were received.
In early April, amid rising criticism of his trade stance, Trump announced a 90-day delay in the implementation of so-called mirror tariffs for most countries — including Japan. However, restrictions remained in place for China until a partial trade agreement was reached in May.
Among the 17% of respondents who reported feeling hopeful,
- 57% cited Trump’s leadership style, and
- 33% appreciated his efforts to counter China’s hegemonic ambitions.
China or the U.S.?
When asked about Japan’s foreign policy orientation:
- 47% favored strengthening ties with the United States
- 48% preferred to maintain a balance between Washington and Beijing
- Only 1% supported prioritizing relations with China
Notably, support for a U.S.-centric policy is in decline:
- 54% in 2021
- 53% in 2022
- 47% in 2025
Kazuto Suzuki, a professor at the University of Tokyo, noted that the growing parity between pro-U.S. and neutral positions signals a “shift in public perception.”
The findings are telling: in a nation where the U.S. remains a cornerstone ally, skepticism toward Washington is rising — not due to a change in Japan’s strategic outlook, but due to Trump himself. It’s a sign of a broader shift: allies are increasingly resistant to the one-sided logic of American leadership. For Tokyo — and for the world — the challenge may lie less in U.S. policy than in the style of power it now embodies.
