Japan's Trump Allies Fear U.S. Abandonment

Conservative groups in Japan once celebrated Donald Trump's election win. They saw it as a chance to boost trade and strengthen their security alliance with the United States. Now, many of these same supporters are worried. Their fear is that a second Trump term could leave Japan isolated. Right-leaning media and politicians had hoped for a major trade deal. They believed it would make Japan a key beneficiary in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan also wanted to cement its role as Washington's main security partner in Asia. But optimism has turned to concern. Analysts say the focus is now on preventing damage to the long-standing alliance. The primary worry is that the U.S. might withdraw its support, a concept experts call "abandonment fears." This shift highlights the anxiety among America's closest allies. They are preparing for a U.S. foreign policy that may prioritize American interests above all else.