The small incident occurred during the state welcoming ceremony for the President of the United States (US) Donald Trump who visited Japan on Tuesday (28/10). Trump, who was supposed to bow in front of the US and Japanese flags, instead continued walking and shocked Prime Minister (PM) Sanae Takaichi.
The state welcoming ceremony involved Japanese soldiers and the country’s top officials, as reported The Independent And The Asia Business DailyWednesday (29/10/2025), held for Trump at the State Guest House in Motoakasaka, Tokyo, on Tuesday (28/10) local time.
A number of incidents occurred during the ceremony, with Trump appearing confused about being guided by PM Takaichi during the ceremony. The incident was caught on journalists’ cameras and became a topic of discussion among netizens.
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A number of foreign media such as Associated Press reported that Trump, who is 79 years old, was confused when following the honor guard inspection procession. PM Takaichi even had to put his hand on Trump’s waist to guide him.
Another incident occurred during the flag-raising procession of the two countries. At one point, Trump spontaneously saluted the US and Japanese flags, even though this was not necessary. PM Takaichi, who was beside him, reflexively put his hand to his chest in response.
Then during the next procession, Trump, who was supposed to bow with PM Takaichi in front of the US and Japanese flags as a form of respect, instead continued to walk forward and left PM Takaichi behind.
This moment surprised PM Takaichi. The Japanese PM’s shocked expression was even clearly recorded in videos and photos taken from the location.
PM Takaichi then continued walking after Trump after he alone bowed in front of the flags of the two countries. The two leaders then completed the state welcoming ceremony.
The incident sparked mixed reactions on social media, with a number of netizens arguing it was just a small mistake triggered by jet lag what Trump experienced after visiting various countries in Asia. Other netizens highlighted inadequate protocol briefings by Trump staff.
More comments from influencer US political leftist Harry Sisson, who is pro-Democratic, linked the incident to Trump’s recent MRI. Trump admitted he underwent an MRI scan during a visit to Walter Reed Medical Center some time ago, but did not explain why.
“See Donald Trump being guided through the ballroom by the Prime Minister of Japan. He is completely confused. Maybe this explains why Trump recently underwent an MRI scan,” wrote Sisson via social media X, while including a video of Trump at the state welcoming ceremony.
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