The Jacob Shapiro Podcast Tariffs, Trust, and Tokyo
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Jun 18, 2025 Tobias Harris, a Japan analyst specializing in U.S.-Japan relations, delves into the rising trade tensions and their impact on this historic alliance. He discusses Japan's shifting strategy as it responds to U.S. tariff dynamics and the potential erosion of trust in American leadership. The conversation highlights Shinzo Abe's lasting influence, regional tensions, and the significance of political shifts in South Korea. Notably, they analyze how domestic rice prices could affect Prime Minister Ishiba's political fate amidst these global and local challenges.
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Japan's Trade Dilemma With US
- Japan is deeply reliant on the US for security but is frustrated by harsh US tariffs.
- Japan demands tariff rollbacks before agreeing to trade concessions with the US.
US Internal Trade Chaos
- US trade demands are inconsistent due to internal disagreements among negotiators.
- Japan prefers negotiating with a unified US position but faces confusion amid conflicting US trade goals.
Japan's Plan B Trade Strategy
- Japan's trust in US economic reliability has been fading since before Trump.
- Japan is quietly building alternative trade alliances like CPTPP and closer EU ties.
