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Why younger Japanese now fear Trump’s US more than China

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A Japan Press Research Institute survey found 26.8% of respondents view the US as the greatest threat to world peace, up 9.3 points from last year, with analysts citing shifting sentiment driven by US foreign policy perceptions among under-50s.

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Why It Matters

The survey tracks annual shifts in Japanese public opinion on global threats, with previous years showing Russia and China as top concerns.

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A survey reveals under-50s see the US as the world’s top threat – driven by growing horror at its foreign policy, analysts say

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Julian Ryallin Tokyo

Published: 8:00am, 14 Oct 2026

A growing number of Japanese regard the United States as the greatest threat to world peace ahead of traditional rival China, according to a new survey.

The annual poll, released by the Japan Press Research Institute on Saturday, found 26.8 per cent of respondents named the US as the biggest threat to global peace. That was up 9.3 percentage points on last year and far above the 6.6 per cent recorded in 2024.

Russia came top of the list in 2025 but slipped to third place this year, with 18.3 per cent of the total vote. China rose 8.2 percentage points to first place, cited by 32.5 per cent of the 5,000 people polled in July and August.

Analysts attribute the shift in sentiment to the actions of one man.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Continued growth in the perception of the US as a global threat among younger Japanese if current foreign policy trends persist
Possible · Within months

Open Questions

What specific US foreign policy actions are driving the shift in perception among under-50s?
How do threat perceptions vary across age groups in Japan?
Will this shift influence Japan's defense or diplomatic policies toward the US?