“His Leg Hair Showed When He Sat Down”: A Japanese Journalist Reveals the Hidden Sides of Four World Leaders, Including Trump, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong Un

Trump is actually charming

【United States】President Donald Trump (80)

“Oh, you came from Japan? Please send my regards to my friend Shinzo.”

The person who was casually greeted this way by U.S. President Donald Trump (80) was Kenji Minemura (51), a journalist specializing in international affairs and senior research fellow at the Canon Institute for Global Studies.

The exchange took place during a brief press interview in January 2017, shortly after Trump first took office as president. “Shinzo” referred to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (deceased). When Minemura replied, “Prime Minister Abe is also my friend,” Trump reportedly smiled warmly. Minemura recalled the moment:

“In front of television cameras, Trump gives the impression of being confrontational and intimidating. But when the cameras are off, he is a friendly and charming man. Perhaps because I was acquainted with former Prime Minister Abe, Trump took a liking to me, and I was invited almost every year to cocktail parties hosted by the White House (the official residence and government offices of the U.S. president), where senior government officials and celebrities gathered. He is a president whose reputation is highly divided, but I am impressed by the depth of his character.”

World leaders who have held power for long periods and at times exercised authoritarian rule. Their words and actions can often cause dramatic shifts in international affairs. However, the image people see through the media and their actual personalities may be quite different. Minemura introduces the private sides of four authoritarian leaders he has personally met, including Trump.

【China】President Xi Jinping (73)

“The first time I saw Xi Jinping (73) of China was at the Communist Party Congress held in Beijing in October 2007. At the time, he had not yet become president and was the top official of Shanghai. My impression was rather unimpressive. His trousers were too short, and when he sat down, you could see his legs with hair on the shins. His hair was messy from sleeping, and when reporters asked questions, he left quickly, leaving his subordinates to answer for him.

My impression of him completely changed when he visited Japan as vice president in December 2009, two years later. His appearance was neat and polished, and he had developed a much more dignified presence. What surprised me was his audience with the Emperor. When entering the meeting room, Xi bent his upper body nearly 90 degrees and bowed deeply to the Emperor.

Even from a global perspective, royal families with histories spanning more than 2,500 years, like the Japanese Imperial Family, are extremely rare. Xi likely understood its significance. I believe he intended to use the act of showing deep respect to the Emperor as a way of strengthening his own authority as China’s future leader.”

Kim Jong Un exudes a tense atmosphere

【North Korea】Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un (42)

At a military parade held in Pyongyang, North Korea, in February 2018, Minemura had the opportunity to see Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un (42) up close.

“He sat firmly in his chair and, with a stern expression, gave orders to his subordinates in a brisk and efficient manner. There was a tense atmosphere around him, with everyone seeming extremely cautious not to upset Kim.

The atmosphere completely changed when new weapons appeared in the parade. Kim clapped loudly, pointed at the new weapons, and showed great excitement. He was behaving almost like a child who was thrilled.

On another occasion, I saw Kim and his younger sister Kim Yo Jong. While Kim remained seated, Yo Jong whispered something to him, then busily moved around giving instructions to those around her. Rather than simply appearing like siblings, I felt there was a very clear hierarchy between them, almost like that of a master and a secretary.”

【Israel】Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (76)

The impression left by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (76), who has continued military actions against neighboring Middle Eastern countries such as Iran and Palestinian territories, was also intense.

“When Netanyahu visited the United States in March 2015, he happened to be at a restaurant in Washington that I regularly went to. A former U.S. government official who was dining with me noticed Netanyahu and introduced me, saying, ‘He is a Japanese journalist.’

When I greeted him, Netanyahu shook my hand with a force unlike anything I had ever experienced and said, ‘Nice to meet you.’ It was almost painful. What stood out to me were his eyes. Even though his expression was smiling, his eyes were not. His pupils seemed completely still, almost like ice, and I felt an unfathomable sense of fear.”

Minemura continued:

“The international order established after World War II is collapsing, and major powers are returning to imperialistic approaches. Only strong leaders can survive in such an environment. What these figures have in common is that, while they each have a very human side, they are also capable of remaining ruthless when it comes to putting their own country first.”

Even authoritarian leaders pushing forward with the revival of great powers may appear differently once their private sides are understood.

From the July 17–24, 2026, combined issue of “FRIDAY”