Teresa’s Prime Minister’s Office Cap: “I’ve never seen a prime minister like this” and “Trump, too…” for PM Takaichi’s behavior

　Mr. Morio Chijiiwa, the cap of TV Asahi’s Political Department’s Prime Minister’s Office, appeared on the station’s “Hatori Shinichi Morning Show” (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.) on January 29. He expressed his opinion on the compatibility between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Trump. On the 28th, Takaichi attended the Japan-U.S. summit meeting with Trump, who arrived in Japan on the 27th. While Takaichi called for further strengthening of defense forces and the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, Trump reiterated his commitment to steady implementation of the investment in the U.S. agreed to with Japan. Takaichi was full of service diplomacy, telling Trump that he would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize and presenting Trump with a patter from former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He then accompanied her to a working lunch and a visit to Yokosuka Air Base. He appealed the building of a strong Japan-U.S. relationship. Asked about his impression of the Japan-U.S. summit meeting, Mr. Chijiiwa replied, “In terms of the atmosphere, when I interviewed people who had been following Mr. Takaichi for a long time, they were nervous at first. He was very nervous when we welcomed him at the State Guest House, and he was really nervous during the subsequent summit meeting and working lunch, and his escort was a little awkward. I was very nervous because it was the first time, but I was very nervous. However, after the series of events at the State Guest House, he looked really relieved and was quite excited in Yokosuka. Announcer Shinichi Hatori also commented, “Yes, he was very excited. He was pretty bouncy,” he said with a wry smile. Mr. Chidaiwa said, “In sum, I think that they were really tense in the morning at the State Guest House, and after the summit meeting and the working lunch, which was a very serious scene that really put the national interest at stake, they suddenly let off steam, and that is how they ended up in Yokosuka. I don’t think that Mr. Takaichi was making it up as he went along, but rather, I think that a pure feeling emerged as a burden was lifted from his shoulders. He did what he had to do well, and he was able to avoid difficult problems. Announcer Hatori said, “It’s amazing. I have never seen the prime minister raise his hand so many times. I’ve never seen a prime minister like that. He probably likes the way Takaichi-san acts, too.