The US-Japan relationship faces significant challenges in the rise of China and the inauguration of Trump. However, decades of polling show the bilateral alliance also has deep roots of public support.
Key Findings
Though the Japanese public believes the Trump administration will have negative impacts on Japan’s economy and security, they still support the US-Japan alliance, albeit with a shaken confidence in the United States.
Americans continue to view Japan warmly, rating the country at 60° on a 0-100 thermometer scale, and a majority (60%) support US bases in Japan.
Americans and Japanese share common views on the top threats facing their countries: international terrorism and North Korea’s nuclear program.
Both Americans and Japanese prefer pursuing a policy of friendly cooperation and engagement with China rather than actively working to limit its growth.
