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Yomiuri Shimbun
4 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Intensive Diet Deliberation on Tariffs: Details of Japan-U.S. Agreement Too Ambiguous
Japan and the United States reportedly agreed on reducing the U.S. tariff rate on Japanese automobiles to 15%, but no implementation date has been set. The question of whether to revise the Japan-U.S. trade agreement, which sets the tariff rates between the two countries, also remains unresolved. Under such circumstances, can it be said that the tariff negotiations have concluded? One cannot help but feel concern over the government's vague explanation. Intensive deliberation on Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations was held at the House of Representatives Budget Committee. Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yoshihiko Noda said the fact that a written agreement between Japan and the United States was not produced has led to discrepancies in their positions. 'The negative impact of not having a document is significant,' he said. Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki also emphasized that unless Japan clarifies its understanding of the tariff agreement, the United States will interpret it in a way that is advantageous for itself — a situation that is disadvantageous for Japan. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said, 'We were afraid that creating a document would delay the lowering of tariffs,' emphasizing that it was necessary to prioritize the agreement, even if it was only verbal. The Japanese and U.S. positions on tariff negotiations are marked by discrepancies. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on various countries. However, the text of the order did not include the agreement with Japan to reduce tariffs on automobile imports. Regarding Japanese investment in the United States, the U.S. side explained that Japan will invest $550 billion (¥80 trillion), and the United States will retain 90% of the profits from the investment. Japan has explained that the ¥80 trillion is merely a target amount for public and private investment, and that the 90% of profits going to the United States refers to projects funded by Japanese government-affiliated financial institutions, which account for only 1% to 2% of the total. Japan and the United States last concluded a trade agreement in 2020. It is unacceptable to nullify an agreement that is an international commitment through an executive order that applies only within the United States. If new tariff measures are to be implemented, it would only be proper to revise the 2020 agreement. If the current situation is left unaddressed, the rule of law will be undermined from its very foundation. Japan should persistently emphasize the importance of free trade and the fact that tariff measures will be detrimental to the United States. During the intensive deliberation, there were also calls for Japan to play an active role in revitalizing the free trade system. It is important to deepen cooperation with the European Union and other parties interested in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. The upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development, to be held in Japan later this month, could be utilized as an opportunity to call for cooperation with African countries as well. (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 5, 2025)
Asia News Network
4 days ago
- Business
- Asia News Network
Japan PM Ishiba states negative view on issuing written Japan-US agreement on tariffs
August 5, 2025 TOKYO – Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed a negative view about issuing a written agreement between Japan and the United States regarding U.S. tariffs during Diet deliberations on Monday. Attendees of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, including the prime minister, held intensive discussions on issues such as Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations. While having a negative stance on a written agreement, Ishiba stressed his willingness to devote himself to lowering tariffs on automobiles, which were not mentioned in an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump. Regarding measures against high prices, Ishiba indicated his intention to hold discussions between the ruling and opposition parties. During the deliberations, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan President Yoshihiko Noda expressed concerns about the absence of a written agreement, saying, 'The Trump administration might interpret it broadly, and Japan could continue to be ripped off.' In response, Ishiba said, 'I am most concerned that creating a document will delay the reduction of tariffs.' He then vowed to focus on reducing the tariffs steadily. Economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's chief tariff negotiator, made similar remarks in the Diet deliberations. 'We will urge the United States to take prompt measures to ensure the steady implementation of the agreement,' he said. When Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, asked Ishiba how long he would stay in office, the prime minister said: 'We must see whether businesses will suffer any disadvantages as a result of the Japan-U.S. agreement. So I can't say for certain how long that will be.' The deliberations then shifted to measures to combat prolonged high prices. Noda suggested talks between the ruling and opposition parties on the introduction of income-tax cuts combined with cash payouts. Ishiba agreed to hold discussions and said, 'I would like to find an opportunity to discuss social security as well.' On corporate and group donations to political parties, Noda called for discussions to find common ground based on a proposal put together by Komeito and the DPFP. Ishiba was positive about the idea saying, 'It is very meaningful for the leaders of the first and second parties [the LDP and the CDPJ] to discuss this issue.' The ruling and opposition parties have agreed to abolish the provisional gasoline tax by the end of the year, and their talks on the matter have begun. 'The government will do everything it can to achieve this steadily and promptly,' Ishiba said in response to a question from LDP member Takashi Yamashita. Meanwhile, Ishiba said it was important for him to release comments expressing his view on World War II for the 80th anniversary of the war's end this year in order 'not to allow memories of the war to erode.'
Yomiuri Shimbun
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Ishiba Wants to Convey Personal Message to Mark 80 Years Since End of WWII; Will Likely Examine Political Failures That Led to War
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his desire to mark 80 years since the end of World War II with a personal message, including an assessment of the war, at a session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee on Monday. 'I need to put out something, whatever the format, to keep [memories of the war] from fading and make sure we never start a war again,' he emphasized. He fielded questions from Yoshihiko Noda, president of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. While Ishiba had already resolved, through a decision at a Cabinet meeting, not to issue an official war anniversary statement in his capacity as prime minister, he intends to release his own personal views in some form. For the 50th, 60th and 70th anniversaries of the end of the war, prime ministers' statements were agreed on by their cabinets and expressed agreed-upon perceptions of history. Of this practice, Ishiba said: 'I want to treat this collection [of statements] with great respect. That is why I want to decide [for myself] what needs to be said.' He also said: 'This can't just be an expression of my feelings. I have to think carefully about what mistakes were made and why the war could not be stopped [through politics].' While following the precedent set by past prime ministers' statements, Ishiba is likely thinking of releasing a personal message that examines the circumstances behind why the military acted on its own in the war and civilian casualties could not be prevented. The timing and format of the announcement are yet to be decided. Due to time constraints, his messages likely will not be made on Aug.15, the anniversary of the end of the war. However, instead, there is speculation that he will release his message on Sept. 2, the day Japan signed an instrument of surrender.
5 days ago
- Politics
Ishiba Open to Message Marking 80th Anniversary of War's End
News from Japan Politics Aug 4, 2025 21:16 (JST) Tokyo, Aug. 4 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday voiced willingness to release a message marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II that would include a reflection on the war. "Regardless of the format (of the message), we should issue something to avoid memories being forgotten and never let a war happen again," Ishiba told the day's meeting of the House of Representatives Budget Committee. There was no mention of when such a message might be announced. Ishiba will avoid issuing it on Aug. 15, which is the anniversary of Japan's surrender in the war, or Sept. 2, the day on which Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender 80 years ago. Ishiba's remark came in response to a request by Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the major opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, for the prime minister to release a comment. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Yomiuri Shimbun
5 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan PM Ishiba States Negative View on Issuing Written Japan-U.S. Agreement on Tariffs; Pushes for Comments on World War II
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed a negative view about issuing a written agreement between Japan and the United States regarding U.S. tariffs during Diet deliberations on Monday. Attendees of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, including the prime minister, held intensive discussions on issues such as Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations. While having a negative stance on a written agreement, Ishiba stressed his willingness to devote himself to lowering tariffs on automobiles, which were not mentioned in an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump. Regarding measures against high prices, Ishiba indicated his intention to hold discussions between the ruling and opposition parties. During the deliberations, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan President Yoshihiko Noda expressed concerns about the absence of a written agreement, saying, 'The Trump administration might interpret it broadly, and Japan could continue to be ripped off.' In response, Ishiba said, 'I am most concerned that creating a document will delay the reduction of tariffs.' He then vowed to focus on reducing the tariffs steadily. Ryosei Akazawa, economic revitalization minister who was Japan's chief tariff negotiator, made similar remarks in the Diet deliberation. 'We will urge the United States to take prompt measures to ensure the steady implementation of the agreement,' he said. When Yuichiro Tamaki, Democratic Party for the People leader, asked Ishiba how long he would stay in office, the prime minister said: 'We must see whether businesses will suffer any disadvantages as a result of the Japan-U.S. agreement. So I can't say for certain how long that will be.' The deliberations then shifted to measures to combat prolonged high prices. Noda suggested talks between the ruling and opposition parties on the introduction of tax credits with benefits, which would combine consumption tax cuts and benefits. Ishiba agreed to hold discussions and said, 'I would like to find an opportunity to discuss social security as well.' On corporate and group donations to political parties, Noda called for discussions to find common ground based on a proposal put together by Komeito and the DPFP. Ishiba was positive about the idea saying, 'It is very meaningful for the leaders of the first and second parties [the LDP and the CDPJ] to discuss this issue.' The ruling and opposition parties have agreed to abolish the provisional gasoline tax rate by the end of the year, and their talks on the matter have begun. 'The government will do everything it can to achieve this steadily and promptly,' Ishiba said in response to a question from LDP member Takashi Yamashita. Meanwhile, Ishiba said it was important for him to release comments expressing his view on World War II for the 80th anniversary of the war's end this year in order 'not to allow memory of the war to weather away.'
