Political correspondent Hiramoto Noriaki, who is covering Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s visit to the United States, talks about how Kishida’s speech to the US Congress was received. 

S/ Suzue Nana, anchorperson in studio:  How was his speech received in the U.S.? 

S/ Hiramoto Noriaki, political correspondent in DC: There were more than 10 standing ovations. Many people praised his speech, with one Representative saying it resonated with Americans who don’t want to bear the sole responsibility for defending democracy. On the other hand, when Prime Minister Kishida spoke about supporting Ukraine, some Republican lawmakers who are opposed to continued support did not applaud.  It was a scene that highlighted the division in the US Congress. 

S/ Suzue: Prime Minister Kishida has moved on to North Carolina. Let’s talk about his visit based on three themes: 

1. Bringing attention to Japan’s contribution in the economic aspect 

2. Strategy behind his visit in relation to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign 

3. Consideration for President Biden 

What are some ways to bring attention to Japan’s contribution in the economic aspect? 

S/ Hiramoto: The biggest reason for Prime Minister Kishida’s visit is the economy. He will visit a battery factory for Toyota’s electric vehicles and a factory for Honda’s small business jets.  Once completed, the Toyota plant is expected to create more than 5,000 jobs, and Prime Minister Kishida hopes to highlight the fact that Japanese companies are creating jobs and investing in the US economy. 

S/ Suzue: Is there a strategy behind his visit that is conscious of Donald Trump? 

S/ Hiramoto: Trump’s catch phrase is “America First,” and his political style toward Japan is to ask what it will do for America. In that sense, the investment and job creation in North Carolina are a major selling point toward the Trump camp. A senior Foreign Ministry official said the prime minister’s visit to North Carolina has in mind the possibility of Trump becoming elected as US president. 

S/ Suzue: But with the presidential election scheduled in November, wouldn’t any moves based on the premise of “President Trump” be seen as “uncomfortable” by President Biden? What about consideration for President Biden? 

S/ Hiramoto: This visit also has an aspect of “providing covering fire for President Biden. One of the economic policies that the Biden administration is focusing on is the development of the EV industry. This is part of the effort to combat climate change. Toyota’s plant is precisely a battery factory for EVs, and in a sense, it supports the Biden administration’s pet policy. 

A Japanese government official said, “This place is a symbol of the Kishida-Biden administration, which is working together on climate change measures and green energy.”  Another government official said, “Investment in the United States and job creation are necessary for strengthening Japan-US relations, regardless of which administration is in power.” 

The choice of North Carolina for his visit was likely intended to send a message of support to both President Biden and the Trump camp.