My grandfather actually did this. He was on a business trip in Japan and commented on how the streets were very wide in Japan, and how he wished the streets were like that in New Jersey where he lived at the time.
Unfortunately that was not the last time my grandfather put his foot in his mouth on that trip.
Disclaimer: America and Japan aren't mine.
America had many things to like about Japan. He was clever, and good with his hands, and always listened to what America sad. He was a good business partner. America felt it good to put the issue of the war behind them, and in response, Japan did as well. The theater had just put on a bad act.
It was natural to see Japan n his dark robes- now that he had given up his white uniform which made his skin look sallow and hallow- playing with a cat or some other small, furry thing. That was the Japan he liked, business and culture and listening.
It was easy to talk to Japan. The man listened politely, flanked by his providences- and looking like a little porcelain child and not the body which encompassed all of them- seated in the car with America.
The conversation lulled for a moment, as America watched the scenery change. Hiroshima was a nice town. Not as nice and... homey as New York or Chicago, but nice. Wide streets. Clean, efficient, effective... Japanese.
"Wow! Japanese streets are awesome!" He flashed a toothy grin to Japan.
The little man stared out the window, expression unreadable. "Recently, we had some help in urban renovation."