U.S.-Japan Relationship Under Strain: Poll Indicates 70% of Japanese Perceive Deteriorating Bonds
Following Donald Trump's second inauguration in January 2025, Japanese public opinion on U.S.-Japan relations has become predominantly negative. A recent survey conducted by our website name and JX Press from July 22 to 24, 2025, shows that nearly 70% of Japanese believe the bilateral ties have worsened. Only about 2.3% felt relations had improved, while 28.3% saw no meaningful change[1].
This disapproval is especially strong among older generations, with over 70% of those in their sixties and more than 80% of those in their seventies perceiving a deterioration in ties[1].
The souring public opinion aligns with ongoing tensions over trade and defense issues under Trump’s administration. From August 2025, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on Japanese products, straining economic relations and contributing to Japan’s GDP contraction and rising trade deficit[2]. The Trump administration has also criticized Japan for what it sees as insufficient defense spending, pushing for increased military expenditure to 3% of GDP[2].
Despite a partial easing from a threatened 25% auto tariff to 15% under a negotiated trade deal, tariffs remain a significant economic challenge for Japan[4]. In exchange, Japan has pledged massive investments ($550 billion) in U.S. sectors like semiconductors and AI, but Japan’s electorate remains concerned about economic impacts[4].
Politically, Japan’s recent election reflects desires for change but includes uncertainty over the future closeness of the U.S.-Japan alliance[5]. Analysts note that the U.S.-Japan relationship under Trump continues to be complicated by trade disputes, defense spending demands, and geopolitical recalibrations in response to China’s rise[3].
The survey also revealed that "Economic activities" is the area where the United States maintains the strongest influence, chosen by 59.7% of respondents[1]. Respondents in all generations chose "Economic activities" at a rate in the 50% to 60% range[1].
Interestingly, women were more likely to choose "Ways of thinking" (8.6%) and "Culture" (5.2%) than their male counterparts[1]. On the other hand, the self-defense choice was popular among respondents from their thirties through their sixties[1].
The changes in Japanese views of the bilateral relationship are affecting their perspectives on Japan's security issues as well[6]. 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" (41.7%)[1].
In conclusion, the survey results stand in stark contrast to 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]. The current Japanese public opinion suggests a need for improved dialogue and understanding between the two nations to address their concerns and secure a positive future for their relationship.
[1] Survey conducted by our website name and JX Press, July 22-24, 2025 [2] Japan's GDP Contracts as Trade Tensions with U.S. Escalate, Nikkei Asian Review, September 2025 [3] The U.S.-Japan Alliance in the Age of Trump: Navigating a Tumultuous Relationship, The Diplomat, October 2025 [4] Japan-U.S. Trade Deal Signed, but Economic Concerns Remain, Asahi Shimbun, November 2025 [5] Japan's July 2025 House of Councillors Election: A New Era for U.S.-Japan Relations?, Japan Times, July 2025 [6] Changes in Japanese Views of U.S.-Japan Relations Affect Perspectives on Security Issues, Kyodo News, August 2025
- The survey findings show that the majority of Japanese people feel the environment of U.S.-Japan relations has worsened since Donald Trump's second inauguration, as evident in a survey conducted by our website and JX Press from July 22 to 24, 2025.
- The economic strength of the United States maintains the strongest influence over Japanese respondents, as revealed in the same survey, with a rate of 59.7% choosing "Economic activities."
- In the recent Japanese election, there is a clear desire for change in the US-Japan alliance, but there is also uncertainty about the future closeness of the relationship, as indicated by analysts.
- Concerned about the economic impacts of US-Japan trade negotiations and defense issues, the Japanese electorate is favoring a policy of self-defense to ensure peace and security, with 41.7% of respondents choosing this option, according to a separate question in the same survey.
