Japan seeks 'fairness' in currency talks with US: Ishiba

Japan will emphasise "fairness" in any discussions with the US on exchange rates, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on April 20, as bilateral trade talks grab global attention in US President Donald Trump's tariff offensive.

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TOKYO -

Mr Ishiba, in a talk show on public broadcaster NHK, indicated Tokyo could buy more US energy and suggested flexibility on US accusations of non-tariff barriers to the Japanese automobile market.

Mr Trump, who unexpectedly joined the first round of US-Japan talks on April 16 and touted "big progress", has indicated he wants the negotiations to include his accusations that Tokyo intentionally weakens its currency to give its exporters an unfair advantage.

Mr Ishiba said specific discussions on currency policy will be made between Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

"We'll have to deal with this issue from the standpoint of fairness," Mr Ishiba said, when asked how Japan would respond if the US asked for cooperation in boosting the yen. He did not elaborate.