NYT: Trump’s Pearl Harbor joke sparks outrage in Japan

A joke about Pearl Harbor made by US President Donald Trump during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has caused shock and indignation in Japan, The New York Times reports.

The US leader made the remark while explaining why he did not notify Japan in advance of the attack on Iran: “We didn't tell anybody about it because we wanted a surprise. Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” Trump said.

The comment drew criticism from Japanese scholars, politicians, and commentators. Some condemned Trump for making light of a painful chapter of World War II, while others directed criticism at Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, arguing that she should have issued an official response.

Experts also warned that Trump’s words could affect relations between Japan and the United States.

By Jeyhun Aghazada