According to Japan's Kyodo News, on July 9 local time, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that Japan "must not be underestimated" in the tariff negotiations with the Trump administration of the United States.

On the same day, Ishiba gave a street speech in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, saying, "This is a battle for national interests, and we must not be underestimated. Even though the United States is our ally, we must firmly state our position and protect what we must protect."

He also repeatedly emphasized that Japan has the largest investment in the United States and creates the most jobs, "President Trump said that creating jobs for the unemployed was his mission, and that is why he was elected president. Isn't it Japan that creates the most jobs in the United States?"

On July 9 local time, Ishiba gave a street speech in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture. Tokyo Sports

In addition, Yukio Kono, head of the Liberal Democratic Party's Policy Research Council and a member of the House of Representatives, at a meeting in Jinsekijima City, Saga Prefecture, commented on Trump's proposal to impose a 25% tariff on Japanese products, saying, "Trump is really excessive, and this approach is truly too much."

On July 8, U.S. President Trump announced that starting August 1, 2025, a 25% tariff will be imposed on all Japanese goods exported to the United States. On that day, Ishiba expressed "great regret" over this.

Regarding the issue of the US-Japan negotiations failing to reach an agreement after multiple rounds, Ishiba explained, "This is because the Japanese government avoids making easy concessions, and continues to conduct difficult negotiations by demanding what should be demanded and protecting what should be protected."

He also mentioned that the actual effective date of the tariff is August 1, which means the negotiation period has been extended, and negotiations with the United States will continue.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7525278537754919464/

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