Japan Monitor (6/2025). Recent trade policy meetings with the US have failed to achieve a breakthrough. Washington rejected Tokyo's key demand to eliminate tariffs on cars. The situation was also not improved by Prime Minister Ishiba's meeting with President Trump in Canada. Japanese negotiators are feeling increasing pressure and disappointment over the need to negotiate better trade terms before the July elections. Download the entire June news with commentary here.
Japan Monitor (5/2025). The administration of Ishiba Shigeru cannot handle the sharp rise in rice prices, which has caused a wave of discontent among the public. As a result, the agriculture minister lost his job, and the prime minister himself pledged to lower rice prices to 3,000 yen per kilogram. The rise in food prices could threaten the LDP in the upcoming upper house elections. Download the entire May news with commentary here.
Japan Monitor (4/2025). Events in April made it clear that the biggest challenge for the Ishiba Shigeru administration will be arranging trade relations with the United States. Despite a successful meeting in Washington and promises to develop cooperation in the military and economic areas, Japan was included in the list of countries subject to new tariffs, which was unveiled earlier this month. The amount of tariffs imposed on Japan is 24%. Download the entire April briefing with commentary here.
Japan Monitor (3/2025). The most important event in March, both economically and politically, was Donald Trump's decision to impose unusually high tariffs on car imports. This is a huge blow to the Japanese economy, the backbone of whose exports are cars and parts. The decision is also a huge blow to the Ishiba Shigeru administration, as it virtually erases the effects of friendly talks in Washington a few weeks ago. Download the entire March news with commentary here.
Japan Monitor (2/2025). The most important event in February was the long-awaited summit between the leaders of Japan and the United States. The were a success for both the Japanese and US sides. The United States is mainly concerned with reducing the trade deciciton with Japan. Prime Minister Ishiba's administration received key guarantees on security and future trade and investment cooperation. Download the entire February news with commentary here.
Japan Monitor (1/2025). A key development in January was the talks between the Japanese foreign minister and new Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ministers have discussed key formats of cooperation and a further concept for the development of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific". Download the entire January news with commentary here.
