Written entirely in Japanese and without any English text, foreign visitors are wondering what on earth these ads mean.
Visiting a foreign country where English isn’t widely spoken can have you scratching your head at the best of times, but lately in Japan there’s something that’s been stopping everyone in their tracks.
It’s a series of posters that’s currently being displayed on trains and at stations around Tokyo, featuring a close-up image of the President of the United States. The imposing image shows Trump mid-speech, looking to his right with a furrowed brow and pointed finger, alongside a hashtag written in Japanese that takes up space just above his shoulder.
▼ The ad has been spotted on trains on the Yamanote loop line.
▼ As well as at Shimbashi Station…
▼ And at Ikebukuro Station.
Without any English text to accompany the image, foreigners unable to read Japanese have been wondering what this stern-looking image could be inferring. To answer the question, the hashtag #トランプ政権 translates to #TrumpAdministration, and the “あなたの知らない今がある” that can be seen alongside the Twitter logo is read as “Anata no shiranai ima ga aru”, which loosely translates to “There is a ‘now’ you don’t know about”.
The use of Trump’s image to front the advertising campaign appears to be linked to his constant presence in the global news media, with the ad being used to inspire commuters to find out more about current events and worlds they don’t know about through Twitter.
The campaign also includes other images and hashtags connected to current “hot topics” in Japan such as #プレミアムフライデー (#PremiumFriday), a new initiative that encourages workers to leave the office at 3:00 p.m. on the last Friday of the month, and #保育園に入りたい (#HoikuenHairitai/#IWantToGetIntoDaycare), which addresses the lack of childcare options around the country.
Twitter is certainly drawing attention to their new posters by using the U.S. President’s image in their new campaign. Whether or not Trump knows his face is appearing on Japan’s rail network, however, remains to be seen.
Source: Instagram/ad__collection
Featured image: Instagram/aloha_ricky_mahalo_

Japanese boy band pop star celebrates Donald Trump’s visit to Japan with Trump cosplay【Photos】
Donald Trump playing cards exist in Japan thanks to McDonald’s
Donald Trump ate this double cheeseburger in Japan, so we do too
Ivanaka Trump posts photo of Filipino snack at daughter’s birthday party, confuses the Internet
The hamburger Trump ate in Japan sells out as diners track down the presidential meal
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Studio Ghibli theme park’s new dessert is a drinkable version of Hayao Miyazaki’s pilot daydream
Furby is now a sexy anime girl figure[Photos]
Family Mart changes its Famichiki packaging for the first time in nine years
Survey shows foreigners’ desire to work in Japan long-term dropping, but that’s not the whole story
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
New Mt. Fuji overnight bus takes travelers from downtown Tokyo straight to the most popular hiking trail
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Donald Trump’s granddaughter performs cover of Japan’s “Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen” 【Video】
Japanese train station stirs up nostalgia with beautiful rural setting and one-carriage train
Bruno Mars creates commercial for Japan’s Don Quijote discount retail chain【Video】
Donald Trump meets Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen singer Piko Taro in Japan