We Will Not Be Taken for Fools: Ishiba Stands Firm on Trade With US

Japanese PM talks tough in front of voters, but tones down at meeting with Bessent

- Walter Sim

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been full of bluster during street rallies for the Upper House election on July 20, striking a note of defiance over US trade tariffs as he swore that his country "will not be taken for fools".

Mr Ishiba, who also faces domestic pressures, said at a rally speech in Funabashi, near Tokyo, on July 9: "This is a battle fought over national interests. We must say what we have to say, squarely and bluntly, to our ally. We will not be disrespected."

He would later stress that Japan is "not to be underestimated".

While Tokyo was expected to dig in its heels in trade negotiations with Washington, Mr Ishiba's comments have raised eyebrows among voters, alarmed policymakers and drawn blowback from politicians — not just those in the opposition, but also within his own Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Such rhetoric may be par for the course for leaders of other security allies of the US, such as European countries, but it is rare for any Japanese prime minister to speak out so harshly in public.

Will Mr Ishiba be rewarded for his bluntness?

His statements were borne out of domestic political expediency, and he struck a more conciliatory tone at an inconclusive half-hour meeting with visiting US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo on July 18.

Mr Ishiba said in opening remarks that he hoped their countries can "continue vigorous discussions to reach an agreement that benefits both sides".

Mr Bessent replied: "I am sure we can reach a good agreement."

The latter was leading a delegation to attend US "National Day" festivities at the Osaka World Expo on July 19, and it is understood that no trade talks have been planned during his visit.