Strained Partnership? Survey Indicates 70% of Japanese believe U.S. Relations are Weakening
In a recent survey conducted by our website and JX Press between July 22 and 24, 2025, the Japanese people's views on current international relations were gauged, revealing a largely negative trend in perceptions of Japan-US ties[1].
The survey found that nearly 70% of Japanese respondents believe that bilateral relations with the United States have deteriorated since President Trump's second inauguration in January 2025[1]. This perception of deterioration is particularly strong among older Japanese citizens, with over 70% of those in their sixties and more than 80% of those in their seventies viewing the relationship as having worsened[1]. Younger generations tend to report less severe views, often choosing "No change" or "Deteriorated somewhat."
The decline in positive sentiment coincides with economic tensions, including U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods initiated in August 2025 and the Trump administration's criticism of the alliance as “one-sided.” The U.S. has pressured Japan to increase its defense spending significantly, demanding percentages akin to NATO allies, which has met resistance from Japanese leaders focused on domestic priorities[2][4].
The top response to the question "What should Japan do in the future to ensure its peace and security?" was "Japan should work harder to defend itself," chosen by 41.7% of respondents[1]. "Japan should forge ties with countries other than the United States" was the second most popular response, chosen by 33.7% of respondents[1]. "Japan should further enhance its ties with the United States" was the third most popular response, chosen by 24.7% of respondents[1].
Respondents in all generations chose "Economic activities" at a rate in the 50% to 60% range, indicating the economy as the area where the United States maintains the strongest influence[1].
Interestingly, there was relatively little difference by gender in the choices made by respondents, with women being more likely to choose "Ways of thinking" and "Culture" than their male counterparts[1].
The results of this survey stand in stark contrast to those from a Cabinet Secretariat poll carried out in October and November 2024, which received an overwhelming 85.5% "going well" appraisal for Japan-US relations[1].
This survey was conducted shortly after the July 20 House of Councillors election, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Japan.
The survey findings suggest that the current trend in Japanese public opinion regarding Japan-US relations is largely negative and has deteriorated since President Trump's second term inauguration in January 2025. The economic and security frictions, as well as the shift toward more transactional, protectionist U.S. foreign policy under Trump, appear to be driving this negative trend[1][2][4].
[1] Source: Survey conducted by our website name and JX Press between July 22 and 24, 2025. [2] Source: The Asahi Shimbun, 25 July 2025. [3] Source: Yonhap News Agency, 26 July 2025. [4] Source: Nikkei Asian Review, 27 July 2025.
- The survey found that the Japanese people's views on Japan-US relations have significantly deteriorated since President Trump's second inauguration in January 2025, particularly among older citizens.
- Economic tensions, such as U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods and pressure to increase defense spending, have contributed to this negative trend in Japanese public opinion.
- The top response to the question "What should Japan do in the future to ensure its peace and security?" was for Japan to work harder to defend itself, followed by forging ties with countries other than the United States.
- The survey reveals that the economy is the area where the United States maintains the strongest influence, and there was relatively little difference by gender in the choices made by respondents. However, women tended to choose "Ways of thinking" and "Culture" more often than men.
