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Half of Japanese firms see another Trump presidency as risk, poll shows

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By Anton Bridge

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Japan Inc has had an easy ride in the US whilst the Japanese government has blocked American imports.

It’s time for a reckoning!

-5 ( +21 / -26 )

How did the U.S. end up with these two 80-year old guys as the only choices for president? Biden should have passed the baton.

17 ( +29 / -12 )

Half of Japanese firms see another Trump presidency as risk

Hopefully once again or the third time) more than half of American voters will also see the Previous Guy's return as a risk, and vote for anyone opposing him. he was a disaster last time, and now that it's been shown he has huge bills outstanding because of his criminal approach to business and his sexual assaults he will again be beholden to the highest bidders, selling the US out for his private gain, and his family's, see Ivanka and Jared in China, Qatar Saudi Arabia and who knows where else. The Grifters in Chief care nothing about the country except as a place to increase their wealth, and that of the country's wealthiest, see the tax cuts that benefited the wealthiest and hurt the nation.

6 ( +21 / -15 )

Roughly half of Japanese firms see another Donald Trump presidency as a potential risk to business, with the prospect of increased protectionism the leading cause for concern, a Reuters survey showed on Thursday.

Japan Inc. is playing the same puerile game of reverse psychology Putin is playing with Biden and corporate America plays with MAGA, appearing to be horrified by his rhetoric and hiding behind rainbow logos while loving his corporate welfare socialism for the rich.

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2018/05/24/why-corporate-america-loves-donald-trump

Abenomics and MAGAnomics were a match made in hell that accelerated the divisions and gaps in both countries.

-7 ( +12 / -19 )

I don't know between Trump or Biden who is worst for the world..

-27 ( +6 / -33 )

Japan Inc has had an easy ride in the US whilst the Japanese government has blocked American imports.

It’s time for a reckoning!.

Ok angry kid, lol.

-21 ( +6 / -27 )

They said the same thing in 2017. What actually happened was that corporate Japan's profits rose to record highs during the Trump years while the average market value of these crybaby listed companies saw a 50 percent rise. (I was invested in the Nikkei at the time and still am, hehe.)

The anti-China Trump tariffs paid dividends! And they continue to do so since Biden has decided to keep most of them in place while today markets on both sides of the Pacific are setting all-time records.

-8 ( +11 / -19 )

A most stable genius!

Some 49% of firms in the monthly Reuters corporate survey named a Trump presidency as a risk, with only 3% saying it was an opportunity.

The other 48% didn't respond but are nervously sucking in their breath.

1 ( +12 / -11 )

Half of Japanese firms see another Trump presidency as risk

And more than half of America does too! Even in 2016 against Hillary Clinton, Trump received only 46% of the vote.

13 ( +23 / -10 )

Half of Japanese firms see another Trump presidency as risk

And the other half see it as a complete disaster

14 ( +25 / -11 )

Poll: Nearly 70 percent of voters say Biden is too old to serve again

https://www.yahoo.com/news/poll-nearly-70-percent-voters-202730059.html

Uh, oh! It does not look too good for the MAGA cult even in the US.

The poll, conducted from Feb. 15 to Feb. 19, found that 49 percent of registered voters support Biden and 45 percent back Trump in a hypothetical general election matchup.

Last Japanese person to support and emulate Trump was Abe. Unfortunately, we all know what happen to him like Boris Johnson and Bolsonaro. They were all politically humiliated!

6 ( +15 / -9 )

Other half of Japanese firms worry over KNOWN Risks of Biden Admin continuing to WORSEN:

Continued elevated global inflation, historical deficit Govt. spending, wars in Ukraine and Mid-East leading to further global escalation, risk of nuclear war/WW III rising, denial of covid, historical weapons proliferation to both states like NK & Iran and nonstate militant and terrorist groups, rising uncontrolled global migration, Middle East and Global South in general rapidly moving away from G-7 to BRICS, corrupt globalist run oligarchy democracy continuing to wither and lose favor, etc.

-15 ( +9 / -24 )

Japanese firms see another Trump presidency as risk, poll shows

At the same time Japan Inc keep with supporting Japanese party that already in power without any real change for Japan. However, they see US leader as a risk?

-3 ( +10 / -13 )

HopeSpringsEternal

Continued elevated global inflation, historical deficit Govt. spending, wars in Ukraine and Mid-East leading to further global escalation, risk of nuclear war/WW III rising, denial of covid, historical weapons proliferation to both states like NK & Iran and nonstate militant and terrorist groups, rising uncontrolled global migration, Middle East and Global South in general rapidly moving away from G-7 to BRICS, corrupt globalist run oligarchy democracy continuing to wither and lose favor, etc.

Society should be extremely grateful we don’t have Trump trying to manage these issues — or rather ignoring them and focusing instead on pardoning himself of all his convictions.

0 ( +9 / -9 )

I'm not a Trump supporter, but he's going to win the election. 2025 to 2029 is going to be very interesting for this world. Hopefully the next decade will bring more peace and prosperity to the world.

-5 ( +13 / -18 )

I'm not a Trump supporter, but he's going to win the election.

You sound pretty certain, which is a trait we all admire. You should bet money, you could stand to make a lot.

-2 ( +10 / -12 )

Looking at the source of the attacks and negative stuff about Trump, I'm beginning to think he must be an alright guy.

-10 ( +15 / -25 )

Another four years in the White House with the former Insurrectionist-in-Chief would be chaotic, not only for. the United States of America, but for the world at large.

Let’s hope that the Supreme Court of the United States of America (SCOTUS) rules by following the constitution and prevents the insurrectionist from being on the ballots.

We the People of the United States of America deserve better.

-1 ( +12 / -13 )

What's a risk for Japan is a gain for America.

-13 ( +8 / -21 )

We the People of the United States of America deserve better.

If Americans want better, then we need to elect more Dems to break this legislative logjam.

-2 ( +12 / -14 )

Trump said he supports Russia attack those NATO countries if they didnt pay enough money for protection. He can say the same thing to Japanese if Japan doesn't pay more protection money to America, he will supports Russia, North Korea or China to attack your nation. Trump is just dangerous !

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

World needs leaders who make well-reasoned informed decisions. Biden's track record obviously not that, straight downhill since his Afghanistan failed state decision.

-7 ( +11 / -18 )

UChosePoorlyToday  08:24 am JST

We the People of the United States of America deserve better.

If Americans want better, then we need to elect more Dems to break this legislative logjam.

Good luck with Senate, you're defending 23 seats, r's 11. Plus, given Biden, about 10 d's in play, WV already banked. D's pickup chances FL & TX - NEVER Happen.

World deserves FAR better than Unelected Oligarchy Special Interest Globalists running their puppet Biden, everyone can see terrible results, especially unchecked war/chaos and inflation causing huge increases in military spending, starvation & terrible global sentiment.

-16 ( +4 / -20 )

Some comments read more like propaganda.

10 ( +19 / -9 )

There was more.

Reuters also asks about business in Japan.

Of those who responded as reported above, they were also asked the question, how are current business conditions at your company. 26% said good, 60% said not so good, and 14% said bad.

Business conditions in three months time: 24% good, 66% not so good, and 10% bad.

And the Chinese market over the next five years time: 4% somewhat optimistic, 34% neutral, 50% somewhat pessimistic, and 12% very pessimistic.

Reuters is usually very thorough when it comes to business.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Half? All of me sees him as a risk. All because a lot of people don't want to think for themselves. Propaganda is working really well in the good ole US.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Biden needs to step down now or Trump is a shoe in! You have two candidates who have borderline dementia . If the Dems get a younger candidate people will vote for them simply because they are likely to complete their full 4 year term!

Scary place with the current two choices!

-10 ( +4 / -14 )

And 51% said it’s fine.

great! Cause it’s what is gonna happen, Trump is returning.

my companies are already updating 2025 vision and strategies for it.

-14 ( +8 / -22 )

My results, my family’s, my city’s, and my state’s results are all pretty good, so I will stick with Biden and the Dems, thank you very much. You vote for Trump if you want. Are you voting for Trump?

everyone can see terrible results,

3 ( +11 / -8 )

you're defending 

This is the problem with politics in America — it’s always “us” against “you.” Our team against your team. “We” need to defeat “you.”

Just like the CIA used to pit foreign countries against each other to weaken both, America is weakened by all the political infighting, some of which is incited by foreign players.

Americans need to unite by stepping around the garbage political pundits and online influencers continually use to repeatedly flame factionalism.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

obladiToday  06:42 am JST

How did the U.S. end up with these two 80-year old guys as the only choices for president? Biden should have passed the baton.

Because the Republicans chose to support Trump and the Democrats weren't smart enough to consider Biden's age.

So in 2024 we have a choice of a President who might drop dead or retire while in office, or a nutbag criminal who may destroy not only the United States but take the whole free world down with it. This is no longer a domestic US political issue.

Save the country. Save the Planet.

2 ( +16 / -14 )

HopeSpringsEternal

World deserves FAR better than Unelected Oligarchy Special Interest Globalists running their puppet Biden,

It does. And luckily, none of this is true. So, the world is fine.

everyone can see terrible results, especially unchecked war/chaos

Thanks to Putin and Netanyahu. Nothing to do with Biden.

and inflation

Inflation is now good in the US.

causing huge increases in military spending,

Hardly huge, but you can thank Putin for that.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

8 years back, it was the same. But finally, it was not harsh as expected, and all the fears did not materialized. Abe rushed to the US to sympathize with Trump. It is gonna be the same again

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

Where is that 51% that you magically created?

article, maybe read it?:

“Some 49% of firms in the monthly Reuters corporate survey named a Trump presidency as a risk”

100-49=?

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

What?? Trump is a businessman so they should be friends, since they all love $$$.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Blacklabel

Where is that 51% that you magically created?

article, maybe read it?:

“Some 49% of firms in the monthly Reuters corporate survey named a Trump presidency as a risk”

100-49=?

You can't assume that the rest said it was OK. Only 3% think a Trump presidency is an opportunity.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

They said the same thing about President Trump prior to the 2016 election - that he was going to crash the economy and create widespread financial misery when in fact he created a booming economy until the democrat governors single-handedly intentionally shut down the economies of their respective states because of an irrational fear of a branched-off version of pneumonia thus crashing the economy.

Additionally, they also said President Trump was going to start WWIII which never happened, but wars have cropped up within these past three years.

Also, in relation to the above paragraph, President Trump and his peaceful administration signed two different peace deals involving Israel and two Arab countries known as the Abraham Accords.

President Trump brought peace and prosperity.

-2 ( +8 / -10 )

President Trump brought peace and prosperity.

We remember how it actually was. It was most definitely not peace and prosperity.

1 ( +10 / -9 )

Only 3% think a Trump presidency is an opportunity.

i said 51% said it’s fine. I didn’t say anything about they said it was “an opportunity”. (A subset of “fine” btw)

49% against something, then 51% are for it, at least for it enough to not be against it.

If you have to play such word games, number games to make your point, your point is invalid.

let me guess. You will later also will disingenuously claim 97% of companies said it’s not an opportunity, right?

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

A Trump presidency is a dangerous risk on many, many fronts.

The man has absolutely no business in the White House.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Blacklabel

*Only 3% think a Trump presidency is an opportunity.*

i said 51% said it’s fine. I didn’t say anything about they said it was “an opportunity”. (A subset of “fine” btw)

49% against something, then 51% are for it, at least for it enough to not be against it.

Nobody is "against" anything. They see it as a risk.

If you have to play such word games, number games to make your point, your point is invalid.

It's not word games. It's pointing out that you can't assume that they believe a Trump presidency is "fine". It could be that they don't know. You don't know how they responded.

let me guess. You will later also will disingenuously claim 97% of companies said it’s not an opportunity, right?

That's exactly how you have approached it. I wouldn't.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

It is America's decision.

 

Japan needs to be prepared for the America's decline. America is in sad shape. Its border is broken. Mass homelessness, a breakdown in social order. Open drug use. The education system is a state of near collapse. The infrastructure is shockingly bad. The country is a middle of race war. The list goes on.

 

And know Biden and Trump. One is old and dumb. One is old and corrupt.

Either way, Japan needs to prepare.

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

So half see no risk. This sounds like a good news story.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Biden and Trump are probably best friends......

-11 ( +0 / -11 )

So half see no risk. This sounds like a good news story

Very strange way of looking at it.

Wouldn’t a very small percentage seeing Trump as a risk qualify as a good news story?

Low expectations I suppose.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

So half see no risk.

No, that's not supported by the article. They may be uncertain if there is a risk or not, which is very different than not seeing any risk at all.

This is what you get for binary thinking - you get to be wrong.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Japan should just vote however it likes for POTUS. Oh wait...

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Japan should just vote however it likes for POTUS. Oh wait...

The ‘Oh wait…’ is getting a bit boring now. Don’t overuse it.

Business leaders are allowed to express opinions like this.

No need to get sulky about it.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

We will bolster our production in the United States," said one manager at a chemicals company. A manager at a rubber manufacturer said the company was planning on increased capital expenditure in the United States.

Presumably that means more jobs for Americans and more capital in the U.S.

All the more reason for Americans to vote for Trump this November.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Mr. Trump owes the State of New York nearly $454 million, including interest, and the amount is going up by $87,502 every day until he pays. If he wishes to appeal the verdict, he needs to put up $354.8 million dollars.

Perhaps the CEOs of Japanese firms can start to breath a little easier.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Real risk of Biden for most folks, continued very high interest rates, makes buying home a dream for many, along with tough payments on debt.

Many young stuck renting, they're NOT Happy, no American dream for them, rent's up over 25% on average last 3 years, including 6% in last year.

Toss in Gaza Genocide, Youth & US Muslims will stay home in Nov, two huge demographics for Biden in 2020.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

Can a convicted criminal stand for office in the US?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Finally, growing majority oppose further military aid to Ukraine, they'll vote Trump as Biden Admin polices have destabilized entire world, especially Ukraine & Mid East.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Roughly half of Japanese firms..see Trump as..a potential risk 

Devastating.

What an utterly meaningless article.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Many Japanese biz agree with President Xi and Modi, Nato's eastward expansion efforts provoked Russia and dangerously escalated Ukraine's 10year old regional Civil War into a dangerous US proxy war against Russia.

Just like massive US deficit spending provoked inflation, high interest rates and weak Yen, causing inflation in Japan worldwide. E.g. Nigeria +33% inflation today.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

The whole world sees it that way, not just Japan!!! US citizens should choose wisely for the sake of US position, internationally!

7 ( +8 / -1 )

The ‘Oh wait…’ is getting a bit boring now. Don’t overuse it.

Twice was too much for ya?

Business leaders are allowed to express opinions like this.

No need to get sulky about it.

Sulky? No. Maybe snarky, but not sulky.

Business leaders, sarariman or even the lady selling veggies are all allowed to express opinions. I'm just pointing out that it doesn't matter what they think - as stan has also pointed out.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Can a convicted criminal stand for office in the US?

Stand for office? Hold office?

We're gonna find out soon!

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Russ1an Tr011

Many Japanese biz agree with President Xi and Modi, Nato's eastward expansion efforts provoked Russia and dangerously escalated Ukraine's 10year old regional Civil War into a dangerous US proxy war against Russia.

Just like Putin says: "Poland provoked Hitler to invade, so it was their fault." Poland started WWII.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

If Nikki Haley stays in as an independent I might vote for her.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

HopeSpringsEternal

Real risk of Biden for most folks,

Funnily there are no articles saying that. Everyone is afraid of Trump destabilizing the world, not Biden.

continued very high interest rates, makes buying home a dream for many, along with tough payments on debt.

Thank Putin for that.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Which machinery firm is that ?

Any heavy Japanese company like Kawasaki or Mitsubishi that provides the goods that make the economic world around. China is an important customer. Trump people in Japan (and you have a good life in Japan because of this) don't appreciate this fact.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Super odd that all the polls and questions seem to be related to Trump coming back!

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

I wonder how these firms might react if Trump returned to a policy of maximum oil and natural gas production. Certainly Japan would then have an alternative to Russian and Iranian oil?

Of course, even assuming Trump is elected (he won’t be), Democrats-turned-save-the-earthers will have a cow and oppose an increase in oil and gas production to their dying breath (don’t we wish)!

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

East Asia has long taken advantage of America's free markets while restricting their own. Another Trump presidency is a shift from this which is why some might be uncomfortable. Sobering for some I suppose

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Japanese Business must be in state of shock over Biden's destruction of relations with Global South, especially Middle East, along with China, and corresponding emergence of BRICS as US 'Safe Haven'

US has exported more inflation as result of Biden Admin policies, than probably any country in history of world. World De-dollarizing rapidly, western media not allowed to report, much like Covid.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

it's rather prudent that the rest of the world brace for the impact of a possible Trump presidency. Here in Japan we prepare for disasters.

Japanese Business and entire World's been dealing with an unmitigated Biden Admin disaster. Wars, inflation, weapons proliferation, mass migration, lousy economic growth, record deficit spending, high US interest rates etc.

Japanese Biz and World busy preparing for someone to clean-up the nonstop Biden Admin Global Destabilization Policy disasters!

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Japanese Biz and World busy preparing for someone to clean-up the nonstop Biden Admin Global Destabilization Policy disasters!

What does that even mean other than your shouting? A long list of conspiracies.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

What they aren't factoring in the Pax Trumpana that will lead to global peace, stability and prosperity with winners all round, in stark contrast to the proxy wars and inflation economy the incumbent endorses.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

How can anyone, let alone Japanese industry, make heads or tails out of Biden Admin's global destabilization policy agenda? From money printing to wars to pork barrel green policies, it's been definition of non-market based in nature and therefore very illogical and corrupt.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Seeing world re-align into BRICS and de-dollarize as result of Biden Admin policies, that's not exactly doing Japanese Business or industry any favors. Especially with increased defense spending and tax increases to pay for, as further business collateral damage.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

his entire Admin's been highjacked by unelected Globalists special interests and their deep state tools.

Just who are those unelected globalists? What deep state tools?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Trump will be back! Is Japan ready for the heat?!!!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@hopeSE: Many Japanese biz agree with President Xi and Modi

I understand that to mean the poster has no sources beyond what they personally tbelieve, and are told to post to add to the firehose of falsehoods their PR agency expects. I can just as easily say many Japanese do NOT agree with Xi and Modi, because of my beliefs. But I don't work for a PR agency.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Well, he’s a narcissistic sociopath.

He’s insane.

He has dementia.

Hes about to go to jail.

Hes about to go bankrupt and be bailed out by a foreign government.

Whats not to like?

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Think of damage US inflation damage, due to record US Govt. deficit spending, globally from food insecurity to starvation. For Japanese biz, biggest negative impact likely auto financing costs, THRU the ROOF for consumers.

They'll welcome Trump's efforts to reduce interest rates on consumers. High interest payments on loans of all types reduce consumer's ability to buy Japanese stuff!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Biggest US consumer damage, rental costs skyrocketed due to Biden inflation, +25% on average in just 3 years!

Young people cannot qualify for mortgages given insane monthly payments on high interest rates. Rent payments bleed consumers of cash to buy Japanese products.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

"Japanese see risk with Trump"As I'm sure most world leaders and anyone that has done business with the Previous Guy do

After all, his attitude toward top secret information and top secret documents has shown he cannot be trusted with any information, and now that he's so deeply in debt the risk of him selling state and business secrets increases. He has shown he can barely manage the huge fortune he inherited from his daddy's scams, and it looks like because of his many busines blunders he's going to be losing even more of his ill got gains.He is willing to further weaken the US and its partners around the globe, he doesn't care as long as he can maintain his lavish lifestyle.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Hopefully once again or the third time) more than half of American voters will also see the Previous Guy's return as a risk,

I think more of an asset truth be told.

and vote for anyone opposing him. he was a disaster last time,

280 accomplishments prove otherwise.

and now that it's been shown he has huge bills outstanding because of his criminal approach to business and his sexual assaults he will again be beholden to the highest bidders,selling the US out for his private gain

He should have the money by next week, not to mention, that the German banks still want to do business with him, so it's a win, win situation.

and his family's, see Ivanka and Jared in China, Qatar Saudi Arabia and who knows where else. The Grifters in Chief care nothing about the country except as a place to increase their wealth,

Well, that is absolutely and undeniably wrong. He cares about the country, that is why his numbers continue to climb by the day and of course, he loves money, he's an entrepreneur, so why would he not, I wouldn't have respect for the man if he didn't .

and that of the country's wealthiest, see the tax cuts that benefited the wealthiest and hurt the nation.

Well, you will never see a poor person offering anyone a job, benefits, financial freedom, or a chance to accumulate wealth, it is a good thing we have the rich, if we didn't, we might not even be here chatting on this platform.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

US &other consumers in uncertain times pull back. High inflation, wars, High Prices, uncontrolled borders, high crime, etc., all add to uncertainty, = Bad for Japanese Business!

Key reason polls favor Trump, people and business want MORE economic and policy certainty and LESS destabilization and chaos, Biden Admin abject failure!

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

After all, his attitude toward top secret information and top secret documents has shown he cannot be trusted with any information,

Wait, where have you been the last 3 years, Biden can't be trusted, more importantly, no one in this administration can keep a secret, they even tell the Iranians what they won't do before bombing them. Just insane.

and now that he's so deeply in debt the risk of him selling state and business secrets increases.

More than likely not from the looks of it

He has shown he can barely manage the huge fortune he inherited from his daddy's scams,

Well, he didn't, he got a loan from his dad, doubled it and paid him back

and it looks like because of his many busines blunders he's going to be losing even more of his ill got gains.He is willing to further weaken the US

The US is already at a weakened state and he didn't oversee that, but from all of the polls, it seems the people trust him more on the economy than they do the current.....person in office.

and its partners around the globe, he doesn't care as long as he can maintain his lavish lifestyle.

He can walk and chew gum at the same time.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Most businesspeople seriously question current fiscal and policy path of the US, completely unsustainable. Businesspeople in Japan and elsewhere want more PRIVATE sector growth and LESS Public sector growth.

Huge Public Sector deficit spending crowds out private sector investment and drives up interest rates & inflation.

Clearly Biden's Pro Big Govt. & Trump's Pro Private Sector

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Japanese Businesspeople understand Wall Street's PRO high interest rates, inflation and STRONG $. Over 90% of voters in NYC are democrats after all. Implication?

YEN will not likely strengthen during another Biden term!

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

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