New Delhi, June 17 -- Eight years ago, the German government made a childish mistake when it released a behind-the-scenes photo of President Donald Trump, arms folded and a defiant smile on his face, being confronted by European leaders at a G7 summit in Canada. The image went viral, for it exposed America's isolation. (Mr Trump was blocking a summit communique.) Germany's then-chancellor, Angela Merkel, is seen leaning imploringly towards Mr Trump. The raised eyebrows of France's president, Emmanuel Macron, convey Gallic incredulity. Only one leader looks unimpressed by this Euro-ambush: the late Abe Shinzo of Japan.

Years later, the picture-and its leaking-still makes high-ranking Japanese officials wince. In Tokyo it is argued that wh...