Fight Trump's Tariffs the Japan Way

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Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai officially opened on April 13. But even before the event began, the world was shaken by "Trump theater" once again. On April 2, United States President Donald Trump announced hiking tariffs on all imports. Ironically, even China — despite its repression of political freedoms — raised the banner of free trade in response. Criticism of Trump has erupted worldwide, creating chaos and confusion.

The Osaka Expo showcases Japan's most advanced and diverse technologies. It also offers the world a glimpse into near-future society. While I plan to explore this exciting event in a future column (the Expo runs through the fall), I've decided to place that discussion on hold for now.

Trump Theater: Act Two

Instead, picking up where we left off, let's dive into the second act of "Trump theater": the global trade war. Who will emerge as the winner? And what must Japan do now?

The Trump administration imposed a 104% tariff on all Chinese imports. In retaliation, China raised tariffs to 84% on all US imports. Trump immediately responded by announcing an increase in tariffs to 125%.

The US also plans to raise tariffs on European Union imports to 20%. The European Union quickly countered, announcing a 25% retaliatory tariff on US products. These include agricultural goods, steel, and electronics. The counter-tariffs were set to take effect on April 15.

Japan wasn't spared, either. Trump revealed plans to hike tariffs on Japanese products to 24%. This move is projected to cost Japanese businesses around ¥5.2 trillion JPY ($36.5 billion USD) annually. It would deal a serious blow to Japan's export-driven economy.

*US President Trump holds up his reciprocal tariffs executive order at the White House in Washington on April 2. (©Getty Images via Kyodo)*

A Strong Domestic Response

The Sankei Shimbun has voiced strong criticism of Trump's unilateral approach. It has also called for urgent action by the Japanese government through its editorials and opinion pieces.

JAPAN Forward is also working to share these perspectives with the global community in English. The following is based on an editorial published on April 4.

Trump's Arbitrary 'Reciprocal' Tariffs are No Way to Treat an Ally

It's worth noting that Japan itself imposes high tariffs on certain products — for example, 204.3% on rice and 40% on konjac yams. At one point, the tariff on konjac yams reached an extraordinary 1,700%. This is believed to have been introduced by a powerful politician from Gunma Prefecture, which produces over 90% of Japan's supply, to protect local farmers.

Meanwhile, the EU maintains tariff-free trade within its bloc. However, it imposes detailed tariffs on imports from outside the region to shield its internal industries.

On April 9, Trump announced that countries wishing to negotiate would be given a 90-day window during which tariffs would remain at 10%. Meanwhile, China said it would not retreat.

China, the EU, and Canada have all vocally opposed Trump's trade policies. Each has called for "retaliatory tariffs." In this tense climate, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba must move swiftly to open negotiations with the United States. Japan's national interest must be his top priority.

Resolve and Flexibility

For Japan, national interest means protecting its territory from China, which continues to lay claim to the Senkaku Islands and has not ruled out using force to unify with Taiwan. It also involves setting Japan on a course toward economic revival and strengthening national defense. These are key to ensuring peace and stability in Asia and the broader world.

Among the more than 75 countries now seeking talks with the US, Japan was among the first at the table.

Judo, one of Japan's traditional martial arts, has become a global sport. Its essence — respecting your opponent while maintaining composure — remains unchanged, even as its techniques evolve.

PM Ishiba must embody the spirit of judo, particularly the maxim 柔よく剛を制す — "the soft overcomes the hard." With creativity, flexibility, and resolve, he must navigate these negotiations in a way that secures Japan's future.

As the world enters a period of unprecedented transformation, JAPAN Forward remains committed to sharing Japan's journey with readers around the globe.

Watch for the next issue on May 19.

JAPAN Forward is a small media outlet driven by an unparalleled passion to amplify Japan's voice worldwide in both English and Japanese. To join us in shaping our vision together or for inquiries, please call 0570-033-433 (Sankei iD) or email us at info@japan-forward.com.

Author: Yasuo Naito, Editor in Chief

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