Japan to Remain U.S. Bulwark—that was the core message from former LDP Secretary General Akira Amari during a recent policy discussion. He emphasized Japan’s commitment to defending democratic stability alongside its key ally, the United States. He began by highlighting Japan’s role as the largest foreign holder of U.S. Treasury bonds. While other countries like China threaten to dump bonds for leverage, Japan consistently supports U.S. economic credibility. That’s precisely why Japan to Remain U.S. Bulwark across financial and geopolitical domains.
Amari also addressed economic friction. Although Japan runs a trade surplus with the U.S., he believes solutions are possible. For instance, Japan could expand its import of U.S. biofuels, balancing the auto sector deficit. However, he rejected the notion that Japan alone can fix the imbalance in automotive trade. To improve negotiations, he recommended forming a bilateral working group focused on non-tariff barriers. Aligning standards between the two nations, he said, would allow Japanese markets to welcome more American products, such as Tesla cars.
He also criticized U.S. tariffs on Japanese steel, aluminum, and cars. He urged Washington to remove them and treat Japan as a trusted partner. Amari reflected on his time as chief negotiator for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. He insisted that Tokyo needs a single, unified voice in talks. Fragmented leadership, he warned, only weakens Japan’s ability to strike effective deals.
Moreover, Amari warned of global instability if the U.S. retreats from its leadership role. Without America’s presence, he said, authoritarian regimes could rise unchecked. For this reason, Japan to Remain U.S. Bulwark is not just a policy—it’s a strategic necessity. Finally, he emphasized Japan’s role in shaping a peaceful, rules-based global order. The U.S. needs reliable partners, and no country stands firmer beside it than Japan.
