Trump presented a special U.S.-made trophy to the winner of a sumo tournament Sunday. The honor given to Trump was part of a charm offensive by Shinzo Abe as he courted Trump with three things close to his heart: wrestling, cheeseburgers and golf
Plenty of world leaders have tried to butter up President Donald Trump with flattery and favors. Japan's Shinzo Abe on Sunday raised the bar for all of them.
"I hereby award you the United States President's Cup," Trump told Asanoyama, the sumo champion, as he read from a scroll.The golf, sumo, dinner — with a cheeseburger lunch wedged in — were part of a diplomatic package designed by Abe to stay on Trump's good side amid tensions between their governments over trade and other issues .It began with 16 holes of golf at Mobara Country Club, where they were joined by Japanese pro Isao Aoki.
The Japan Sumo Association put in place special safety precautions because of Trump's presence, including selling fewer same-day tickets and banning the ritual of the tossing of seat cushions by those disappointed with the outcome. It was fitting entertainment for the businessman president who in past times helped promote the World Wrestling Federation back home. Trump sponsored major events, appeared in bits and was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2013.Another honor awaited Trump on Monday when was set to become, at Abe's invitation, the first head of state to meet Japan's new emperor, Naruhito, who succeeded his father on May 1.
Abe sought quickly after the 2016 U.S. election to build a rapport with Trump, rushing to New York so the two could get acquainted before Trump took office. Japan relies on the U.S. for security and Abe has encouraged Trump to maintain international agreements and keep pressure on North Korea."We were able to exchange our views frankly in a cozy atmosphere. It was wonderful," Abe told reporters as he returned to his official residence after the golf game.
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