Japanese Criticize Trump For Pearl Harbor Joke

• 20.03.2026, 16:59

The remarks came at a meeting with the head of the Japanese government.

U.S. President Donald Trump's joke about Pearl Harbor drew sharp reactions among Japanese pundits, politicians and The New York Times.

The remark came during a White House meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Asked by a Japanese journalist why allies were not notified in advance of the attack on Iran, Trump jokingly said he "wanted a surprise," adding, "Who better to know about the surprise than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor?"

Part of the Japanese experts criticized Trump for inappropriately mentioning the painful subject of World War II. Some also held Takaichi responsible, noting that she could have responded to such a statement.

Japan is also concerned that such statements could negatively affect relations between Tokyo and Washington.