In the weeks leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration, conservatives in Japan were delighted and hopeful that his return would usher in robust economic growth, new trade opportunities and a stronger security relationship with Tokyo.

Now, barely 18 months later, many of the conservatives admit to being shocked at the state of the bilateral relationship and mounting global uncertainties due to the US president’s policies.

The conflict that he started in Iran was the final straw for some of his diehard supporters in Japan, such as Ken Kato, who owns a company in Tokyo that sells religious items.

“Everything that is going on right now is worrying because the decisions he is making have a direct impact on people in Japan,” Kato said.

“Petrol prices have risen, but not too much, although that could change. But the price of everything else has gone much higher, especially food. This is very worrying for ordinary people.”

Kato admitted to being horrified at Trump’s recent decision to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Nato ally Germany because Berlin would not commit its forces to the US war against Iran. Trump has made similar threats against Italy and Spain.