A top Japanese lawmaker called on the United States to reconsider the Trump tariffs. Itsunori Onodera delivered the message during a visit to Washington on Monday. He leads policy for Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and once served as defense minister. He warned that the Trump tariffs risk damaging both regional security and strong U.S.–Japan trade. Therefore, he urged American leaders to rethink the policy before it drives countries toward rivals.
Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Onodera expressed growing concern over strained economic cooperation. He said Southeast Asian countries may pull back from ties with the U.S. if trade becomes unstable. Consequently, these nations might seek closer ties with China, which offers consistent economic engagement. Onodera stressed that Japan sees this shift as a regional security issue. Thus, the Trump tariffs could do more than just harm trade; they may alter global alliances.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba currently visits several Southeast Asian nations. Onodera explained that this diplomatic push shows Japan’s urgency in addressing tariff-related impacts. He said the Trump tariffs remain paused in some areas but still apply in others. A base rate of 10% affects many products, and a 25% tariff continues to burden Japan’s car exports. As a result, key Japanese industries suffer under these trade restrictions.
Japan’s chief negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, will travel to Washington later this week. He aims to continue discussions and seek compromise on the Trump tariffs. Onodera stressed that weakening Japan’s economy could reduce support for U.S. jobs and global trade growth. He also reminded U.S. leaders of Japan’s crucial support for American naval operations. Japan regularly maintains and supplies American ships across the Indo-Pacific.
Furthermore, Onodera expressed concern about funding cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development. He said Japan could help fill the gap if America steps back. However, he warned that such a retreat could invite more Chinese influence. Ultimately, Onodera believes that stronger cooperation with Japan can offset the damage of the Trump tariffs. He concluded by calling this a moment for Japan to back the United States firmly.
