与野党よやとう党首とうしゅ会談かいだん 関税かんぜい 日にち米べい合意ごういを8はち党首とうしゅらに説明せつめい 石破いしば首相しゅしょう

In response to the agreement reached in the Japan-U.S. negotiations over U.S. tariff measures, a meeting was held between the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties. Prime Minister Ishiba explained that, based on the idea of prioritizing investment over tariffs, they protected what needed to be protected and were able to reach an agreement that aligns with the interests of both countries.

The meeting of ruling and opposition party leaders was held in the Diet building from 10:00 a.m. for about one hour and ten minutes, attended by Prime Minister Ishiba, Constitutional Democratic Party leader Noda, Japan Innovation Party co-leader Maehara, Democratic Party for the People leader Tamaki, Komeito leader Saito, Sanseito leader Kamiya, Reiwa Shinsengumi co-leader Oishi, and Japanese Communist Party chairperson Tamura, making a total of eight party leaders from both ruling and opposition parties.

At the outset, Prime Minister Ishiba stated, Based on the idea that investment is more important than tariffs, ever since I made a proposal to President Trump in February, I have consistently asserted Japans position and strongly lobbied the United States. As a result, we were able to reach an agreement that protects what needs to be protected and aligns with the national interests of both Japan and the United States.

On top of that, I have received various opinions in the three party leader meetings so far.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your suggestions, he said.

In the meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba explained the details of the agreement and conveyed his intention to provide thorough support for domestic industries, such as assistance with financing, asking for cooperation.

Prime Minister Ishiba: Very useful comments. I want to respond appropriately. After this, Prime Minister Ishiba told reporters at the Prime Ministers Office, I explained the Japan-U.S. talks and received various comments and questions from each party.

I stated that we must properly address domestic industries and various export items, and that we must steadily implement the agreements.

Since we have received extremely valuable suggestions, we would like to respond appropriately as the government, taking those into account, he said.

Additionally, when reporters asked, Did you also explain your reasons for continuing as Prime Minister? he responded, I did not explain that, nor were there any such remarks or questions.

Representative Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party said to reporters, Since there is no written agreement between Japan and the U.S., depending on how it is interpreted, there is a possibility that the U.S. could keep pressuring us. It gives a precarious impression.

Since today’s session was short, supplementary matters must be discussed in the Diet deliberations.

I got the impression that it would be risky unless we held a Japan-U.S. summit and created a joint statement.

The government held a meeting of the Comprehensive Countermeasures Headquarters, which includes all cabinet ministers as members, ahead of the party leaders meeting, and instructed the steady implementation of the agreed measures.

In this statement, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the outcome of the agreement, saying, Since I proposed to President Trump that investment is better than tariffs, I have consistently advocated for this and strongly pushed for it. As a result, we were able to reach an agreement that protects what needs to be protected and serves the national interests of both countries.

On top of that, he stated, From now on, it is extremely important for both Japan and the U.S. to steadily implement the contents of the agreement and to achieve results that will lead to the promotion of mutual benefits as soon as possible. He instructed to strengthen the functions of the government task force and to ensure the steady implementation of the agreement.

Furthermore, they requested a thorough analysis of the impact on domestic industries, as well as full measures to mitigate the effects on industry and employment, such as providing information on tax rates for each item at special consultation counters set up nationwide and offering consultations on financing.

And Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa visited the United States eight times and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the negotiations. All government ministries and agencies made every possible effort, and I am filled with gratitude beyond words.

I would like each ministry to offer words of appreciation.

Lets continue to work together in unity for our country, our people, and for the world.