Japanese Officials Voice Concerns Over U.S. Rice Import Plan

The Japanese government's consideration of increased U.S. rice imports, as part of ongoing tariff negotiations, faced immediate resistance. Shunichi Suzuki, the Liberal Democratic Party's General Council Chairperson, voiced his concerns regarding the proposal. He emphasized the need to safeguard Japanese agriculture and ensure mutual benefits for both Japan and the United States in any agreement.

Suzuki further elaborated on the public's anxieties surrounding food security. He highlighted the potential negative consequences of the plan, specifically the risk of undermining domestic rice production. This concern underscored the importance of maintaining a strong agricultural base within Japan.

Adding to the opposition, the secretaries general of the LDP and Komeito held a meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday. They jointly reaffirmed the critical importance of food security. Following the meeting, Komeito Secretary General Makoto Nishida echoed the sentiment, stating that any action that could negatively affect food security would be undesirable.