Japan’s Takaichi and France’s Macron Strike Iconic Dragon Ball Kamehameha Pose At Press Conference
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron came together to share a lighthearted moment following a recent diplomatic summit.
The two leaders surprised attendees by striking the famous “Kamehameha” stance from the legendary Dragon Ball franchise.
This playful interaction highlighted the deep cultural ties currently shared by the two nations.
President Macron has long been recognized as an enthusiastic fan of the highly influential series.
During the press conference, he emphasized the significant impact Japanese comics have on his country’s population.
He stated that France stands proudly as the second-largest consumer of manga globally, trailing only behind Japan itself.
The French leader further highlighted that the youth in his home country possess a profound love for the medium.
Once the formal proceedings concluded, the politicians faced each other with wide smiles to perform the signature energy attack pose utilized by the protagonist Goku.
The Kamehameha technique requires the user to cup their hands at their side before thrusting them forward to release a blast of energy.
Seeing two prominent political figures mimic this action provided a highly memorable moment for the press in attendance.
President Macron has form for performing the kamehameha pose, as he previously did so alongside Akira Toriyama’s editor Kazuhiko Torishima, and Brigitte Lecordier, the French voice of Kid Goku, at a French anime convention.
Dragon Ball remains a massive global phenomenon, and its cultural reach clearly extends to the highest levels of international government.
This is not the first time the beloved fighting manga has made an appearance in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In May 2024, former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a meeting with Macron in Paris.
During that visit, Kishida presented the French President with a traditional Edo Kiriko glass set.
The beautiful gift featured designs showcasing Goku, Krillin, and Master Roshi.
The latest meeting between the French President and the current Japanese Prime Minister took place on the first of the month.
Discussions and the subsequent press conference were hosted at the State Guest House located in Motoakasaka, Tokyo.
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