Sanae Takaichi and Giorgia Meloni’s G20 Viral Moment Signals New Diplomatic Style

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared a warm moment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G20 summit in Johannesburg. The interaction was captured on camera and quickly spread across social media. The event highlighted a shift from Japan’s traditionally formal diplomatic approach.

The exchange provided a stark contrast to the sea of dark-suited male leaders. It also offered Takaichi positive publicity amid a separate diplomatic crisis with China.

A Break from Traditional Protocol

Broadcasters aired the moment Takaichi greeted Meloni with open arms. She called out “Meloni!” before embracing her. The Italian leader, who had appeared serious throughout the summit, beamed and clasped Takaichi’s hand.

The informal greeting marked a distinct break from decades of rigid Japanese diplomacy. According to Reuters, the video went viral in Japan, sparking widespread discussion. Many viewers praised Takaichi’s confident social skills on the world stage.

This style has been a recurring feature of her early diplomacy. Footage from a previous summit showed her rolling her chair toward Indonesia’s president and wrapping an arm around Chile’s leader. Her approach has generated significant debate at home, where public interactions are usually more reserved.

Navigating Diplomacy and Domestic Perception

The positive moment occurred against a complex diplomatic backdrop. Takaichi’s government is currently navigating tensions with China, its top trading partner. Chinese Premier Li Qiang was also present at the summit, but no meeting between the two leaders took place.

Despite limited foreign policy experience, Takaichi has handled multiple summits and a visit from the US President. Her approval ratings in Japan remain high, reaching as much as 80% in her first month. The viral moment with Meloni appears to have bolstered her domestic image significantly.

Both Takaichi and Meloni lead on conservative agendas in politically volatile nations. Meloni has surpassed the three-year mark in office, a notable achievement in Italian politics. Takaichi is just beginning her tenure but is already making a distinct impression.

The viral handshake between Sanae Takaichi and Giorgia Meloni underscores a new, more personal era of diplomacy. It demonstrates how a single genuine interaction can resonate globally. This Takaichi Meloni G20 moment reflects a changing style of international leadership.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the public reaction in Japan to the viral video?

The video was widely shared and discussed on Japanese social media. Many users praised Takaichi’s diplomatic approach, with some calling her a “beast in social situations.” The moment was seen as a positive break from tradition.

How does Takaichi’s style differ from previous Japanese leaders?

Her style is notably more informal and personal. She has been seen using physical gestures like embraces and leaning in during conversations, which contrasts with the more rigid and formal protocol typically followed by her male predecessors.

Did Takaichi meet with the Chinese Premier at the G20?

No, there was no meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The Chinese side stated there were no plans for a discussion, reflecting ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

What are the similarities between Takaichi and Meloni?

Both lead on conservative platforms in countries known for political instability. They are also two of the few prominent female leaders on the world stage, and both have distinct personal styles that are frequently highlighted by the media.

Why was Takaichi’s clothing a topic of discussion before the summit?

She openly admitted spending hours selecting her outfits to ensure they would not “look cheap” or cause people to “underestimate” her. This candid admission about using fashion as a tool in diplomacy is unusual for a world leader.