The United States President’s latest social media campaign has stirred a serious uproar across Japan. In a series of videos posted to Truth Social and X, Trump mimicked popular anime characters, notably Naruto Uzumaki, Pikachu, and a slice‑of‑life from Yu‑Gi‑Oh!.
The first wave of criticism began in March when fans noticed the president's use of these animated icons. Since then, nearly 20,000 Japanese internet users have signed an online petition demanding that the White House respect the values and intellectual property of Japanese creators. The petition argues that politicising characters originally designed to promote courage, friendship, and perseverance undermines their creators’ intentions.
Pokémon Company International filed a formal complaint stating the White House had no licence to use its imagery. A spokesperson, Sravanthi Dev, said the company “was not involved in its creation or distribution” and that Pokemon’s mission is to bring the world together, not to align with any political agenda.
The controversy grew when a petition was revived after Trump posted a video depicting himself as Naruto Uzumaki. Fans and critics noted the contrast between a character who guides a young ninja to become a village leader, and the political messaging of a former U.S. president. Some X users dismissed the situation as “hilarious,” suggesting it could boost Naruto’s global visibility. Others expressed pride that a Japanese manga had reached the President of the United States.
The movement was started by Kana Suzuki, a 34‑year‑old anime enthusiast from Kanagawa, who felt compelled to act following the death of Yu‑Gi‑Oh! creator Kazuki Takahashi. Suzuki said that using Takahashi’s characters in a military context had “deeply saddened” her, especially knowing the creator was no longer alive to speak for his work.
Demonstrating the cultural impact of anime, fans across the globe have long celebrated the genre. Yet the recent controversy underscores a growing call for a respectful boundary between cultural icons and political propaganda. As the backlash continues to echo throughout Japan, the White House has yet to respond to the demands of creators and fans alike.
