Ishiba Should Value Akie Abe for the Friendship Built with Trump

On December 15 (local time), Akie Abe, widow of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, dined with the United States President-elect Donald Trump. Although they dined as old friends, Akie's efforts proved instrumental in addressing a key issue in Japan-US relations.

Trump had previously declined multiple meeting requests from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, citing various reasons. However, he softened his stance. He stated that a meeting before his January 20 inauguration was possible, saying, "If they'd like to do that, I would do that."

Although Akie's meeting with Trump drew some criticism, her role in fostering a connection between the leaders of Japan and the US cannot be overlooked.

PM Ishiba was a long-standing political rival of Shinzo Abe. Nevertheless, Akie has given him her support. During a November 20 online program, she expressed her hopes for Ishiba, stating, "I want him to work hard for Japan. Since he was chosen as prime minister by everyone, now that the decision has been made, I think it's important for us all to support him."

Mrs Akie Abe enters the venue for a gathering to honor and carry on the legacy of her husband, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, held one year after his assassination at the Meiji Memorial Hall in Tokyo on July 8, 2023. (© Sankei by Yukuto Hagihara)

An Endearing Personality

Akie Abe's cheerful, outgoing, and naturally endearing personality makes her approachable. She also gained invaluable experience during her eight years and nine months as Japan's First Lady.

Shinzo Abe once shared a story from his first administration about their visit to America in April 2007. During a dinner conversation, Akie brought then-President George W Bush to tears.

In Abe's story, their exchange went as follows:

Akie: What has been the hardest moment for you as president?

Bush: Meeting the families of soldiers who lost their lives (in places like Iraq) is incredibly difficult. But I feel it's important to meet as many of them as possible. Leaders must sometimes make painful decisions."

When Akie became tearful, Bush grew emotional too. Taking her hand, he told her, "You are kind-hearted."

During the joint Japan-US press conference afterward, Bush remarked: "I was so impressed by Akie's compassion, her intelligence and I will tell you, Shinzo, that Laura feels like she has a new friend now, and so do I." Like Shinzo Abe, Akie possesses a remarkable ability to build personal connections.

Strong Respect, Durable Friendship

Melania Trump, who attended the recent dinner with her husband, has long shared a close relationship with Akie Abe. Even after Trump left office, Akie has stayed in touch, regularly calling Melania. Reportedly, when Trump was shot in July this year, Akie called her and said, "I'm so glad he is alright."

In April 2018, during a visit by Shinzo and Akie Abe to Trump's private residence, Mar-a-Lago, in Florida, Melania offered Akie words of encouragement. At the time, Akie was struggling with the Moritomo Gakuen scandal.

She said Melania told her, "No matter what challenges you face, confront them with confidence. I know you can overcome them. I've faced plenty of criticism myself."

According to Shinzo Abe, Melania's words stemmed from her own experiences. As a former model from Slovenia, she had endured criticism, including accusations that her marriage to the older Trump was financially motivated. Akie, he noted, "found strength in Melania's words."

PM Ishiba once criticized Abe for frequently playing golf with Trump, saying, "Friendship is important, but it's separate from diplomacy." However, friendship and diplomacy cannot always be neatly divided.

Respect and trust between leaders often form the basis of strong bilateral relations. He should appreciate the connection Akie built with Trump and the friendship between the Abe and Trump couples. He should also leverage these ties effectively.