Tokyo, July 6 — As the clock ticks toward a major trade deadline, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made it clear on Sunday: his country won’t be pressured into a hasty deal. In a candid and determined tone on a national television show, Ishiba emphasized that Japan won’t simply bow to threats of heavy US tariffs.
“We will not easily compromise. That’s why these negotiations are tough and taking time,” Ishiba said, responding to US President Donald Trump’s ongoing push for new tariffs of up to 35% on Japanese goods.
At the heart of the tension is Trump’s assertion that the current trade relationship is “unfair,” and his administration has floated the idea of charging Japan significant duties unless a new agreement is reached before July 9. The Trump administration initially introduced a blanket 10% tariff back in April, but gave countries like Japan a temporary pause — a window to negotiate. That window is about to slam shut.
What’s at stake? Billions of dollars in trade and diplomatic trust. Trump has been especially focused on pushing Japan to import more American rice and cars. But Ishiba insists that this isn’t just about numbers — it’s about fairness and mutual respect.
“We need to examine every claim. What is unfair? How is it unfair?” Ishiba questioned, stressing the importance of evaluating each point thoroughly rather than rushing to meet a threat-driven deadline.
He didn’t hold back in defending Japan’s contributions to the US economy, pointing out that Japan is the largest foreign investor and job creator in the United States. “We are allies, but we have to say what needs to be said,” Ishiba added. “We are not like other countries — our role in the US economy is unique and essential.”
Behind the scenes, Japan’s top trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa has been working the phones with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, hoping to find a path forward before the deadline strikes.
Asked on another TV appearance how he planned to respond if Trump follows through with his letter demanding steep tariffs, Ishiba’s message was steady and confident: “We are preparing to deal with all kinds of situations.”
The coming days will test not just economic resilience, but the strength of a long-standing alliance.
