President Donald Trump’s four-day visit to Japan to meet the island nation’s new emperor and discuss foreign policy with prime minister Shinzo Abe got off to a very Trump-ian start on Sunday.
In a moment reminiscent of Trump’s days as a Vince McMahon-tackling showman, the reality star-turned-president stepped into a sumo wrestling ring over the weekend to present the tournament’s champion with a giant, 60-pound trophy called the “President’s Cup.” Trump is the first U.S. president to present a championship title to a sumo wrestler in Japan.
A big win
Trump’s Sunday in Tokyo was right up the president’s alley: he golfed, ate cheeseburgers, and watched a wrestling match at a stadium in Tokyo. Joined by Melania, Abe, Abe’s wife, and over 11,000 fans, Trump entered the Ryōgoku Kokugikan Stadium to loud applause Sunday.
The president took his seat a few rows behind the ring in a chair, rather than sitting on the ceremonial mats. The stadium was filled to about half capacity because of security precautions.
When the match was over, Trump, in ceremonial slippers, climbed into the dirt ring and hoisted the massive, 54-inch trophy — which the White House says is 60 to 70 pounds — with little help. Wearing a wide grin, Trump congratulated the 25-year-old, 390-pound champion wrestler, Asayonama, on his “outstanding achievement.”
“I hereby award you the United States President’s Cup,” Trump said.
The now-president, who once appeared on WWE to tackle Vince McMahon to the ground, may have been channeling a bit of Trump the showman, but Trump was very much acting in the status of a dignitary when he presented the trophy. Whereas professional wrestling is part of American popular entertainment, sumo is an ancient and cherished Japanese tradition.
Tonight in Tokyo, Japan at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan Stadium, it was my great honor to present the first-ever U.S. President’s Cup to Sumo Grand Champion Asanoyama. Congratulations! A great time had by all, thank you @AbeShinzo!! pic.twitter.com/nwwxJl6KXH
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2019
Mixing business with pleasure
Trump is in Japan until Tuesday to discuss trade and diplomacy with Abe, as well as meet with Japan’s new emperor, Naruhito. Trump is the first state dignitary to visit Japan since Naruhito ascended to the throne on May 1, marking the start of the Reiwa era in Japanese history.
The president enjoyed a banquet dinner at the imperial palace with the new emperor. The closeness of America’s alliance with Japan was the theme, and Emperor Naruhito toasted to the “a sense of nostalgia and distinct closeness” between the two nations.
Trump also delivered some remarks on the “cherished bond” between the two countries and recited ancient Japanese poetry. But despite this appearance of comity, differences linger between the nations. Trump has threatened to slap tariffs on Japanese cars and has outwardly downplayed the nuclear threat posed by North Korea, which continues to be a concern for neighboring Japan.
Still, while Trump had plenty of time for leisure, the president got down to business Monday with trade talks and a news conference with Abe at Akasaka Palace, where the U.S. president again touted the “close” friendship” of the two countries.
“This visit has also been a chance for Prime Minister Abe and me to strengthen our close friendship and the friendship between our two nations,” Trump said Monday. “The alliance between the United States and Japan is a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in the region and all around the world.”
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