Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday that his envisioned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in June on the occasion of the Group of Seven summit in Canada will be a “milestone” in bilateral tariff negotiations.
Ishiba said in an interview with Kyodo News that his government will aim to secure the removal of higher U.S. tariffs, rejecting the option of settling for any reduction of import duties.
The prime minister made the remarks after agreeing in a phone call with Trump earlier in the day to explore the possibility of a face-to-face summit during the G7 gathering in Kananaskis, Canada, from June 15 to 17.
“It will become a milestone” in reaching a deal, Ishiba said.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks during an interview with Kyodo News in Tokyo on May 23, 2025. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Japan’s chief negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, is expected to hold another round of ministerial talks Friday in Washington, where he will again urge the United States to reconsider its tariff policy and seek a deal that benefits both longtime allies.
The premier also left the door open to traveling to the United States to meet his U.S. counterpart, depending on the progress of ongoing tariff talks.
“It’s our unwavering stance that we urge the withdrawal of the measures,” Ishiba said. “We will aim to help achieve the return of a strong manufacturing sector in the United States through investment and create jobs while making our domestic sector stronger as well.”
The imposition or threat of higher U.S. tariffs on cars, car parts, steel, aluminum, and other goods has rattled global markets, raising concerns about the duties’ impact on the global economy.
Trump has put part of a 24 percent “reciprocal” tariff on Japanese products entering the United States on hold, though a baseline of 10 percent remains.
During the interview, Ishiba also addressed how his minority government plans to tackle surging rice prices amid criticism that its perceived lack of urgency and effective measures to curb the rise in the staple’s cost has contributed to sluggish public support for his Cabinet.
Ishiba said a review of the existing policy aimed at controlling rice output is “in sight,” given that a poor harvest has caused the recent doubling of rice prices.
Ishiba, who has vowed to achieve a sharp drop in rice prices, said the government will aim for a price target that can satisfy both producers and consumers.
Rice sold at supermarkets costs around 4,200 yen ($29) per 5 kilograms in Japan, or about double the figure a year ago, squeezing households reeling from rising prices on everyday goods more broadly at a time when wage growth has failed to consistently outpace inflation.
Ishiba has promised to sharply lower the rice price into the 3,000 yen range “at an early date.” When asked whether he would take responsibility if the target is not attained, the premier said in a parliamentary debate with an opposition leader on Wednesday, “I think I should.”
In the interview, however, Ishiba dismissed the idea that the undershooting of that price target would require him to consider his position.
Ishiba, who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, declined to say how he would respond if the opposition submits a no-confidence motion against his Cabinet.
“I will try to find solutions each day to the challenges we face. I will carry on doing this until the current parliamentary session ends” in late June.
When a no-confidence motion is submitted and approved, the prime minister must dissolve the House of Representatives or the Cabinet must resign within 10 days under the Constitution.
An election to replace half of the House of Councillors is scheduled to be held this summer.
Opposition parties are set to raise the pressure on Ishiba, who reversed his decision to stand by agriculture minister Taku Eto and sacked him on Wednesday over a remark about receiving free rice from his supporters that had angered consumers.
Eto’s successor Shinjiro Koizumi said Friday his ministry will release stockpiled rice into the market so it can be sold for less than 3,000 yen per 5 kg.
The government’s release of rice stockpiled for emergencies has failed to stop retail rice prices from rising. Koizumi said his ministry will start selling it directly to supermarkets and other retailers, instead of in auctions, to make rice available at reduced prices.
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AloJapan.com