Ishiba Defends U.S. Tariff Agreement, Faces Opposition Concerns

On July 25, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with leaders from six opposition parties and the head of Komeito, a junior coalition partner, at the Diet building. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the details of a significant tariff agreement reached with the United States.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that the agreement "protects Japan’s key interests." He emphasized that the agreement benefited both Japan and the United States by safeguarding essential interests, attributing this outcome to Japan's consistent and strong negotiating stance.

Prior to the agreement, Ishiba had consulted with Komeito and opposition leaders on three separate occasions to gather their perspectives on the Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations. At the latest meeting, he committed to implementing measures to support Japanese businesses that would be impacted by the tariffs.

The agreement involves a reciprocal tariff of 15 percent, expected to take effect on August 1. Additionally, the existing 25 percent auto tariff imposed by the United States will be reduced to 15 percent. The Trump administration also announced that Japan would invest up to $550 billion in the United States and further open its market to U.S. imports, including rice.

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, expressed concern about the agreement, stating he felt "more anxious" than before, and that some details remained unclear. Tamaki also noted Ishiba's commitment to implementing the agreement and his apparent determination to remain as prime minister.

Tomoko Tamura, leader of the Japanese Communist Party, reported that Ishiba declared "I won’t resign" at the conclusion of the meeting. Before the meeting with opposition leaders, Ishiba and other officials attended a meeting of the Comprehensive Response Headquarters for U.S. Tariff Measures. There, Ishiba instructed those present to analyze the impact of the tariffs and establish consultation desks to provide prompt assistance to Japanese businesses.