logo
Japan heads to polls for critical election for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

Japan heads to polls for critical election for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

The Hill20-07-2025
Japanese voters headed to the polls on Sunday to cast ballots for seats in the parliament's upper chamber, in an election that could put Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition on rocky ground.
The election is for half of the 248 seats in the smaller of the two parliamentary houses. Ishiba has said he wants a simple majority of 125 seats, meaning his coalition, which includes his Liberal Democratic Party, would need to add 50 seats to the 75 seats it currently holds.
Before the election, his coalition held 141 seats, but local media predict stiff losses for the prime minister's coalition.
Ishiba's coalition lost the lower chamber in October, following corruption scandals and difficulty delivering legislative solutions to economic problems facing the country.
Ahead of Sunday's election, a right-wing populist party, Sanseito, was surging in media predictions. Soaring prices and economic constraints have been key issues for voters, but several opposition groups have embraced anti-foreigner positions as well.
Sanseito has put forward its 'Japanese First' platform and proposes a new agency to centralize policies for foreigners. The party is against globalist policies and embraces anti-vaccine views, as well as traditional gender roles.
The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, or CDPJ, and the DPP have also gained ground ahead of the election.
If Ishiba's coalition performs poorly on Sunday, the government would not immediately change since the upper chamber lacks the authority to file a no-confidence vote against a leader, but Ishiba would likely face calls from within his party to step down or find another coalition partner.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

EU deal turns up heat on holdouts
EU deal turns up heat on holdouts

Politico

timean hour ago

  • Politico

EU deal turns up heat on holdouts

QUICK FIX — President Donald Trump's trade deal with the European Union could prompt other partners to move more quickly in pursuit of assurances they'll avoid new tariffs next week. — Top Trump administration officials are meeting their Chinese counterparts this week, amid growing expectations for a leaders-level summit. — Senior U.S. officials said Section 232 tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors are expected within the next three weeks. It's Monday, July 28. Welcome to Morning Trade! Got news tips? Suggestions? Want to grab a coffee? Hit us up at: ahawkins@ ddesrochers@ and dpalmer@ Follow us on X: @_AriHawkins, @drdesrochers and @tradereporter. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. Driving the day PRELIMINARY DEAL REACHED: Trump on Sunday reached a deal with the European Union to avert a renewed transatlantic trade war — raising pressure on the remaining U.S. trading partners without updated terms to shield them from planned Aug. 1. hikes. The background: On the heels of talks in Scotland with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump told reporters the 27-country bloc agreed to purchase $750 billion of energy products and invest $600 billion more than planned into the United States. The deal also includes a flat 15 percent tariff on goods from Brussels with zero percent tariffs on U.S. goods. A senior U.S. official, granted anonymity to discuss talks, clarified in a call for reporters on Sunday that the rate would apply to at least some sectors that are currently the subject of probes, such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows a president to restrict imports on certain industries to protect national security. Taste of talks: The official said that Trump sent the bloc a letter threatening a tariff hike earlier this month because 'we had met with them collectively 13 times in videos and in person, and they didn't even make us an offer.' But they added that Trump's letter supposedly 'changed everything' because the EU realized he was serious about his threats to massively hike tariffs. Everett Eissenstat, White House trade adviser during Trump's first term, told Morning Trade that countries now have a clearer sense of 'what parameters he'll agree to' — and cautioned that 'a lot of countries are going to feel domestic pressure to try to get an agreement before the deadline' on Friday. The U.S.-EU deal appears to closely match the terms of an agreement announced last week with Japan, which also set tariffs on most Japanese imports at 15 percent. Those reductions extended to autos and auto parts as well, partly mirroring a provision in the United Kingdom deal announced in May — which offered even greater relief by lowering tariffs to 10 percent on the first 100,000 cars entering the United States annually, and keeping that 'baseline' tariff in force. But while more countries now have more examples of the terms Trump is willing to accept, the update also underscores that among the U.S.' top 10 trading partners, only Mexico, Canada, Taiwan and India have yet to secure new agreements to shield them from the planned tariff hikes — putting them under new pressure to lock in concrete protections. North American pals? A separate White House official previously told Morning Trade that if higher rates are applied, only a portion of North American goods trade — potentially around 60 percent — would be subject to higher tariffs on trade with Canada and Mexico. Those countries have not recently been the central focus of the administration's trade negotiations, although finalizing the deal with the EU does 'open us up' to focus more concretely on other countries, that official told your host on Sunday. How we got here: In total, the U.S. has announced skeletal 'deals' with nearly half a dozen partners, including China, Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam. Meanwhile, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is speaking with Trump today in Washington, giving both countries another chance to hammer out remaining details of a broad framework they unveiled in May. REGULATORY REVIEW PUSH FOR A US-CHINA DEAL: The Trump administration is also pursuing talks with China ahead of a separate Aug. 12 deadline, with a U.S. delegation in Stockholm this week led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. 'I'm going to be in Stockholm on Monday and Tuesday with my Chinese counterparts, and we'll be working out what is likely an extension then,' Bessent said in an interview last week. What to watch: The confab will give both countries another chance to iron out a long list of persisting trade disputes. China and the U.S. are even expected to nail down a deal that would delay a massive U.S. tariff increase scheduled to take effect next month, according to a report Sunday from the South China Morning Post, which cited unnamed sources. POLITICO has not confirmed that report. Background: Through a series of tit-for-tat trade measures, Trump ratcheted up tariffs on Chinese goods this past spring to 145 percent, including a 20 percent rate related to the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. Following meetings in Geneva and London, the U.S. reduced the additional tariffs on China to roughly 55 percent. That includes tariffs Trump imposed during his first term, as well as his second. However, under an executive order Trump signed on May 12, those rates are scheduled to go back up to 145 percent next month if a more comprehensive deal isn't reached. BRACE FOR SECTION 232'S: Sector-based tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals could be imposed within three weeks, a senior U.S. official told reporters on a call on Sunday. 'Those are coming over the next ... three weeks,' said the official, referring to tariffs that are likely to be imposed under Section 232, speaking on a call with reporters focused on the terms of the EU-U.S. trade deal. Why it matters: Sector-based tariffs are becoming an increasingly central focus of discussions, as tariffs Trump imposed under emergency powers face court challenges. Reminder: Commerce in April launched a pair of national security investigations that could lead to new tariffs on imports of pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, according to notices uploaded to the Federal Register. US LOCKS IN LUMBER HIKE: The Commerce Department on Friday announced its final decision raising anti-dumping duties on most Canadian softwood lumber imports to 20.56 percent, to offset unfairly low prices and Canadian government subsidies. The hike nearly triples the anti-dumping duty rate, which was set at 7.66 percent, and is in addition to 6.74 percent countervailing duties. The final rates are shaved down from preliminary figures unveiled in March, which would have set anti-dumping duties to 20.77 percent. TRADE OVERNIGHT — U.S. companies are facing annual costs of up to $97.6 billion due to European digital regulations, according to a new report from the Computer & Communications Industry Association Research Center — Jordan to tackle EU tech law on delegation to London, Brussels, per POLITICO Pro. — US steel producers urge Trump to maintain tough line on steel tariffs, per POLITICO Pro. — The US is nearing a trade deal with Europe. Will Trump stand in the way?, POLITICO reports. — Booker tells Dems to join TikTok, sparks Senate Rules pushback, POLITICO Pro reports. THAT'S ALL FOR MORNING TRADE! See you again soon! In the meantime, drop the team a line: dpalmer@ ddesrochers@ and ahawkins@ Follow us @POLITICOPro and @Morning_Trade.

U.S.-Japan Council Announces 2026 Return of the Japan-Texas Economic Summit in Arlington, TX
U.S.-Japan Council Announces 2026 Return of the Japan-Texas Economic Summit in Arlington, TX

Business Wire

time2 hours ago

  • Business Wire

U.S.-Japan Council Announces 2026 Return of the Japan-Texas Economic Summit in Arlington, TX

ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) today announced the return of the Japan-Texas Economic Summit, a premier gathering of business, investment and political leaders dedicated to advancing economic collaboration between Japan and the Lone Star State. Scheduled for May 11–13, 2026, in Arlington, TX, the event will take place against the backdrop of evolving U.S.-Japan trade dynamics and growing regional alignment on supply chain resilience and industrial policy. Hosted by USJC in partnership with the City of Arlington and Arlington Economic Development Corporation as title sponsors and ABeam Consulting as organizing sponsor, the 2026 Summit revives a landmark initiative that first launched in 2018 and now returns as an annual signature event for strengthening U.S.-Japan economic ties. 'This is more than a conference. It's a strategic signal,' said Sachi Hamai, Chair of the U.S.-Japan Council's Board of Directors. 'As bilateral trade discussions intensify, the Japan-Texas Economic Summit reflects a shared commitment to partnership through commercial vision, policy alignment, and real investment.' The Summit's momentum is driven by local leadership deeply rooted in Texas. 'We're fortunate to have prominent USJC leaders such as Donna Cole, Mark Okada, and Steve Sakanashi who reside in Texas,' said Audrey Yamamoto, President and CEO of the U.S.-Japan Council. 'Their leadership, in-state networks, and knowledge of the local economy is shaping an agenda that will resonate broadly and highlight Texas's pivotal role in advancing U.S.-Japan relations.' The Summit will leverage USJC's proven convening power of bringing together subnational leaders, including governors, mayors, government agency officials, and top corporate executives. These influential figures will engage across borders to develop strategies for sustained growth and regional collaboration. The inaugural Japan-Texas Economic Summit, hosted in Houston in 2018, convened more than 400 leaders across industry and government. Since then, Texas has emerged as a top state for Japanese-affiliated companies and one of the fastest-growing destinations for foreign direct investment. Between 2011 and 2021, employment by Japanese firms in Texas more than doubled, reaching over 75,000 jobs and far outpacing the national average. 'The 2018 Summit, combined with Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Statement of Mutual Cooperation with Governor of Aichi Prefecture Hideaki Ohmura last year, reveals a deep appetite to strengthen Japan-Texas ties,' said Steve Sakanashi, Chair of the Japan-Texas Economic Summit. 'The 2026 Summit will build on that momentum and become the permanent gathering point for our two economies to plan for the future.' With Arlington serving as host city for three consecutive years, the Summit anchors itself at the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, an area projected to become the third-largest metropolitan region in the United States by the 2030s. This explosive growth mirrors broader dynamics unfolding across Texas, from the energy capital of Houston to the innovation corridor of Austin and San Antonio. Together with the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, these cities form the Texas Triangle, where five of the nation's 15 largest cities form a megaregion driving over 75% of Texas's $2.7 trillion GDP. Programming for the 2026 Summit will explore a wide spectrum of shared priorities, including: Energy transition and resilient supply chains Advanced manufacturing and next-gen mobility Semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity Biotech, healthcare innovation, and the longevity economy Cross-border capital formation and the rise of the Texas Stock Exchange Cultural diplomacy in sports, food, entertainment, and education To learn more or receive updates, visit: Speaker and sponsorship requests can be directed to: japantexassummit@ About the U.S.-Japan Council Founded by Japanese Americans, the U.S.-Japan Council is the premier organization dedicated to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations through people-to-people connections. From high school classrooms to corporate boardrooms, from college lecture halls to the halls of government, we develop and connect leaders from every sector committed to a strong and enduring global partnership. For more information, visit

Here are the trade deals Trump has made ahead of Aug. 1 tariffs
Here are the trade deals Trump has made ahead of Aug. 1 tariffs

The Hill

time12 hours ago

  • The Hill

Here are the trade deals Trump has made ahead of Aug. 1 tariffs

After months of delays, President Trump's long-awaited global tariffs are slated to take effect at the end of this week. Trump on April 2 announced 'reciprocal' tariffs on dozens of other countries, using trade deficits to help calculate the tariff rate. But a week later, he lowered those rates to 10 percent for three months as markets reacted negatively, allowing time for countries to negotiate. As the 90-day window was nearing its end earlier this month, Trump sent letters to countries informing them of the new 'reciprocal' rate that, he said, would take effect Aug. 1. The White House has managed to secure some significant trade deals since the president's unprecedented sweeping tariffs were first announced in the spring. Trump on Sunday announced a trade deal with the European Union, setting tariffs at 15 percent for European goods, including automobiles — lower than the 30 percent rate Trump had threatened to impose on the EU next month. The EU will purchase $750 billion worth of energy from the U.S. as part of the deal, Trump announced, and agreed to invest in the U.S. $600 billion more than the current investments for other goods. Trump similarly reached a deal last week with Japan, setting a 15 percent tariff on Japanese goods — lower than lower the 25 percent tariff Trump had threatened to impose. Also in that deal, Trump said Japan would invest $550 billion in projects in the U.S. and would open its markets to U.S. automobiles, rice and other agricultural products. The Philippines agreed to a trade deal with the United States that would lower U.S. tariffs on its exports to from 20 percent to 19 percent, Trump announced last week. Trump had originally set a 17 percent duty on imports from the Philippines in April before warning that figure would rise to 20 percent last month. An agreement with Indonesia would also set a tariff rate of 19 percent on its imports. Trump announced an agreement with the United Kingdom in early May, in what is considered the first major deal struck since the president announced his sweeping tariffs in April. That agreement set the tariff rate at 10 percent, down from 25 percent. The U.K. is allowed to export 100,000 cars to the U.S. at a 10-percent tariff rate, as opposed to the 25-percent rate announced March 26, marking a win for the British car industry. Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to talk about the implementation of that deal when they meet Monday in Scotland. The US and China announced in late May the contours of a deal to stave off a trade war between the two countries temporarily. The U.S. reduced its tariff rate from 145 percent to 30 percent, and China reduced its rate from 125 percent to 10 percent. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are set to hold talks Monday for the third time this year, with The Associated Press reporting that China is expected to press for the U.S. to remove its 20 percent tariff related to fentanyl. Both countries have an additional 10 percent baseline tariff in place. The White House sent dozens of letters this month informing countries of what they should expect their tariff rate to be, come Aug. 1. Trump has insisted he would not further extend the tariff deadline, but Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Sunday that the president would be open to continuing discussions even after the tariffs are in place. For countries that have yet to secure a deal with the U.S., here are the tariff rates set to take effect on Aug. 1: Canada: 35 percent Mexico: 30 percent South Korea: 25 percent South Africa: 30 percent Kazakhstan: 25 percent Laos: 40 percent Malaysia: 25 percent Myanmar: 40 percent Tunisia: 25 percent Bosnia and Herzegovina: 30 percent Bangladesh: 35 percent Serbia: 35 percent Cambodia: 36 percent Thailand: 36 percent Libya: 30 percent Iraq: 30 percent Algeria: 30 percent Moldova: 25 percent Brunei: 25 percent Sri Lanka: 30 percent Brazil: 50 percent

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store