When U.S. President Donald Trump incited an insurrection on Jan. 6 that led a mob of supporters to violently attack the U.S. Capitol, leaders worldwide — including in Japan — condemned the move.
But Japan’s mildly worded rebuke stood in contrast to the forceful language used by leaders around the globe.
“Hopefully the difficult situation faced by U.S. democracy can be overcome, and stability and harmony will be restored as the country moves toward a peaceful, democratic presidential transition,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters on Jan. 7 following the riot that left five people dead.