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U.S. lawmakers wary of Japan joining TPP pact

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Marcelito,

I agree with you that such imbalance is occuring in EU/Korea because of those issues you mentioned. And it goes to my point that with Korea being nearly 40%/GDP on exports and made no secret of the fact that they are dependent on "exports" for their growth, they are more suceptible to these occurance. But what's also putting doubts by some of the Korean lawmakers are that despite the low levels of their own currency, they simply cannot get the numbers to go up.

And if you believe, Patrick Smash is "in" the higher ups, I got a bridge to sell you. Noda had made no secret that he wants to join the TPP for this was his speech during the Diet session when DPJ was still the minority party. He also made sure that most of his cabinet members are also in agreement with his direction when he was elected as a PM. As for the bureucrats, there are obviously contrasting views among several different ministries and they rarely cooperate with each other so you're never going to get a "unanimious" decision from them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japan's between at 180% to 200% GDP. That's broke. Japan's been borrowing time by yen intervention so one day they can manufacture themselves out their recession. Have you seen what happened to Olympus? They ran out of time. Game over. Wait till another earthquake as big as the Tohoku apocalypse hits Tokyo. And, Mt. Fuji is way overdue to blow ash every.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

BernieK ure stupid

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It would be good to give us more selection of products. My worry is that if Japan does accept they will find ways to block many items to protect their domestic market (Fruits, Produce and Energy drinks like Monster and others).

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hello! Japan is the Greece of Asia. And, wait till the radiation signs start popping up in the forests in Fukushima. Enought said.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Personally, I think japan need not take part in TPP. But Japan will join it. Regardless of benefit from TPP itself, it is difficult to go against international trend.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I predict Japan will join the TPP talks.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Zichi,

I realize a lot of J-cars are assembled in the US but how many of the parts are made there, not trying to be a knob, I dont know but suspect a few arent made in the US

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Dotobock

No genetically modified crops are grown commercially in Japan, perhaps one of the countries in the world with the strongest consumer opposition to "unnatural" GM foods.

Actually there is absolutely no scientific evidence that GMOs are harmful. None at all. However, in Europe after a lot of scaremongering from various groups, a lot of people oppose GMO.

Now that is fair enough. If people rightly or wrongly don't want GMOs that is their right. And with the TPP, GMOs will never be forced on people that don't want them.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Japan is fine with importing what it needs or doeasnt really produce much of domestically like corn & soy, or grains. BUT when it comes to rice beef apples etc then its a combination of tariff & LOTS of non-tariff barriers that come into play.

The world has been very nice to Japan all these decades, Japan is way past reciprocating, how about Japan.

Bottom line is unless Japan gets with the TPP or gets some FTAs in place its going to be at a huge disadvantage with its major export industries & its already happening in a big way, the more jobs Japan loses means more & more of its consumers will have less to spend, & we continue to decline, choice is Japans but just ignoring the TPP will have some very real consequences, people need to realize this, not just pretend things will go on as they are today

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Dotobock

In nearly 50 countries around the world, including Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs.

Sorry Dotobock but yet again you are posting factually incorrect information. Both the EU and Japan allow the importation of GM products as long as its labelled. As pointed out to you previously the EU's labeling restrictions are much much tougher than that of Japan's.

Most Japanese and Europeans do not want to eat GMO. MY gut feeling say that it is not much difference for ordinary Americans but their government completely ignores the public opinion and would rather be in bed with big greedy multinationals for profit

Thats funny, do you even know that you are eating GM food at present in Japan and dont even know it? Did you know that food in Japan can contain GM products and it doesnt have to be labelled (restauraunts and food service industry), or that the items you buy at the supermarket dont need to be labelled GM unless the levels are over 5% (Oh and in the EU it 0.9%).

According to the USDA, in 2009, 93% of soy, 93% of cotton, and 86% of corn grown in the U.S. were GMO. The most common GMOs are soy, cotton, canola, corn, sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, alfalfa, and squash (zucchini and yellow). http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/gmos-and-your-family/

Did you know according to your own government that Hawaiian papaya that is GMO grown is and has been legally sold in Japan now for over 12 months. Did you know that of the soy Japan imports from the US that 64% is GMO, of the cotton imported 81% is GMO, and of the canola imported into Japan 68% is GMO, and of the maize imported into Japan 68% is GMO. So whether you like it or not GMO is in Japan already and has been for some time. And guess what your government has approved it, just like your Japanese government has approved 44 GM crops for food use, including 15 canola varieties, 12 corn, 7 cotton, 5 potato, 4 soybean, and 1 sugarbeet." this little quote is from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. So please by all means continue your anti US stance and name calling but remember this, to say Japan is GMO free is false. Your own government has approved and allows the importation of GMO produce and has for some time. Your own government has set some of the weakest labelling laws in the world for GMO produce far weaker than the EU, Australia, New Zealand, even China has tough GMO labeling rules.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

What the hell is with all the ignorant "America food is crap unless you sell your first newborn" posts? This is hilarious reading this crap as an American! Have any of these people lived in America? No, visiting for a month or so does not count. Seriously....way to go Internet.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

marcelito,

I believe I gave you the statistics on Korea/EU FTA after 4 months where Korea's exports declined and the imports grew despite the fact that their own currency was at very low levels. Secondly, the USA-Korea FTA is still not ratified for there are now strong opposition within the lawmakers. Second thoughts perhaps?

Ministry of Agriculture estimated that if Japan agrees to TPP whereby food producing giants such as Australia and U.S. join, their self sufficiency will decline to 14%.

"It's a national security interest to be self‐sufficient in food. It's a luxury that you've always taken for granted here in this country ....Can you imagine a country that was unable to grow enough food to feed the people? It would be a nation that would be subject to international pressure. It would be a nation at risk " George Bush.

I think when we're dealing with FTA/EPA, you simply can't look at what Japan gains/loses for you also have to look at the other party which in this case is U.S. Whatever the net gain Japan may or may not achieve to as a result of this dwarfs what U.S. will gain.

Hence, this is why I prefer the bi-lateral approach. It's a nation to nation, give and take approach which is clearly more fair than this BS kumbaya.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Before US$1= ¥365 until Japan succumbed to the western nation wishes.

Monsanto? naaaahhhhhh ! A very bad company. Japan should not join TPP.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

USA is a game over country. It is going now so why bother with the U.S/

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. In nearly 50 countries around the world, including Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. With TPP, Japan will be like USA infested with GMO. Most Japanese and Europeans do not want to eat GMO. MY gut feeling say that it is not much difference for ordinary Americans but their government completely ignores the public opinion and would rather be in bed with big greedy multinationals for profit. According to the USDA, in 2009, 93% of soy, 93% of cotton, and 86% of corn grown in the U.S. were GMO. The most common GMOs are soy, cotton, canola, corn, sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, alfalfa, and squash (zucchini and yellow). http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/gmos-and-your-family/

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Even without TPP, Japan already imports ridiculous amount of corn and grain from USA. This is one of USA's most important exports to Japan. But at least now, Japan can control what it wants to import and protect their laws.

No genetically modified crops are grown commercially in Japan, perhaps one of the countries in the world with the strongest consumer opposition to "unnatural" GM foods. Yet, Monsanto and the US government continue their shameless push for the stuff. For US corn, 60 percent is GM -- and nearly all of it contains Monsanto genes. Soy and corn that enter Japan is carefully sourced as "non-GM" . With TPP Japan will have to play along the backward American laws.

Japan should stay strong and not be pushed by the shameless company, Monsato or the American government. Americans are seriously living in the dark. Look at that country anyway? Look at what they are eating there. All the grease, sugar, corn. 1 out of 3 have some health disease due to their unhealthy diet which for the most part is GMO. I think that is a good reason for not be living in USA. Imagine roaming around the supermarkets in the States, where most of the product you see on the shelves are GMO. This country is seriously on a wrong path, now they want others to follow them? And label anyone who does not as nationalistic?

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Patrick Smash

I just had a long meeting (I friggin' hate meetings) with a group of bureaucrats who all told me Japan will sign the TPP and want me to start preparing for it. Until this evening I thought this was very unlikely, but these barcodes tell me otherwise. Of course they are already planning ways around it to suit Japan. If Obama had been present at that meeting, these discussions would already be over and Japan would be on its own. Mind you, he wasn't invited.

Hahahaha BARCODES as in Barcode -hairstyle, right?! I love to mock them old dry lizards when they come to my neighborhood looking for votes. I tell my husband that if they want my vote, they should change hairstyle or buy a wig and then maybe I might think about it. Husband always laughs his butt off. LOL

@BurakuminDes

They are problably contaminated with radioactive hatred. Their leader is named Sakurai Makoto. He's major SMEGMA. I utterly hate that "thing".

@ BlueWitch - Ha ha - SMEGMA! Brilliant! I just looked up this piece of SMEGMA Sakurai. Short, obese, bespectacled and hideously ugly... Fortunately I can't see him winning much support for his extremist, foreign-hating views. Except for a few fellow virginal, obese and vertically challenged SMEGMA outside joints like Yasukuni! lol

You bet, that's him. and he has this disgusting website (http://ameblo.jp/doronpa01/)where he spews hatred against not only Foreigners but also the Japanese common folk that are trying to push the country foward. He is against people like ME. I have seen him a few times in Tokyo and everytime I want to challenge him verbally, my husband pulls me back.(He's afraid I might get arrested!) Still, I am happy that I am NOT the only one because everytime I tried there was some people YELLING at him too!! LOL Believe me, there are people out there that do not agree with his rotten racist xenophobic views and hatred.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Japan can continue to sink economically or it can accept global trade on a full basis, not just where its of benefit to Japan Inc only

Ignorant and arrogant. Japan can pull out all US Treasury. Think about many US senior citizens who depend on SSI, will you?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Japan will sign the TPP

or Japan MAY sign the TPP? There is a big difference, Patrick. Please let me know.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

For folks who are pro TPP, I just want to let you know starting 12/1/2111, that US gov. has just banned Korean airlines "through fare" to US domestic cities. In another word, you need to buy two separate tickets; International and domestic tickets. As a result, the fare will be much higher than the "through fare". That will give all US flag airlines more advantage in global market. I suppose this is a retaliation against S. Korea as a part of trade negotiation. It is very immoral to push the TPP to Japan while imposing trade sanction against SK.

So If you are price sensitive global traveler, then you may have to fly with UA or ANA.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

They are problably contaminated with radioactive hatred. Their leader is named Sakurai Makoto. He's major SMEGMA. I utterly hate that "thing".

@ BlueWitch - Ha ha - SMEGMA! Brilliant! I just looked up this piece of SMEGMA Sakurai. Short, obese, bespectacled and hideously ugly... Fortunately I can't see him winning much support for his extremist, foreign-hating views. Except for a few fellow virginal, obese and vertically challenged SMEGMA outside joints like Yasukuni! lol

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Japan's tariffs, even those on agricultural products are not high compared internationally. And the import dependancy of main crops is quite high (wheat 86%, soybeans 95%, corn 100%) which means that the food market of Japan is rather opened to the world already, though of course with some excepted items. But supply of main crops should not depend on import from the viewpoint of food security as their harvest is subject to climate and in case of a bad harvest the exporters may prioritize their domestic market and limit export. So the supply of main crops particularly rice for this country should not be considered only in terms of price and market mechanisms, though Japanese agriculture should unarguably be reformed.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Who or what organized this so eerily efficiently ? What are "nationalists" ?

They are the annoying men who drive around in their black vans yelling crap that all the locals look the other way. You can usually find them at yasuki, outside Korean and Chinese embassies or consulates and protesting anything that might actually bring this country out of the depths of despair. Look for hinamaru flags, short, fat men and megaphones. Why the locals don't find these people a national embarrassment is beyond me. Ask someone what they think about them and they'll pretty much tell you they are "harmless". Yeah, right.

I don't blame the US for worrying. I get the impression that IF they sign up, nothing will change. They'll find a bunch of loopholes to protect the farmers. Damn it, I was looking forward to decent priced veggies and more variety.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

You can visit more or less any asian country outside Japan and buy a wider variety of quality foreign foods/ That's why I'm in favor of japan joining.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I can't believe people still have a problem with GMO foods.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Tamagaboat, your history skips over WW2 and how the US set the framework for Japan to rebuild after being completely wiped out. Without access to US markets Japan would have never become number 2 economy, up through this year anyway. Funny your Japanese history misses from 1930 to 2011.

Of course the black van crowd is aligned with farmers. That is the base of the LDP basically. Yaks and farmers.

Japan can continue to sink economically or it can accept global trade on a full basis, not just where its of benefit to Japan Inc only. If not, then maybe Korea, who gets it, will annex Japan in a few years to save it from itself. That will really get the black van crowd going. Samsung can buy out Sony right now probably.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Perhaps to better get Japans attention, rather than pushing the TPP, just put tarriffs on Japanese imports if Japan continues to use tarrif & especially non-tarriff barriers to keep foreign goods/services out of Japan, clearly all these years Japan has been extremely jozu at keeping foreign stuff outta Japan all the will growing very prosperous due to the freer markets outside Japan.

Just slap on tarriffs, make Japan feel it, otherwise Japan will never change, but then again the way Japan is headed in 10ys time no one may give a damn & any J-company worth its salt will have left these isles

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@CapnSinbad

I was down in the area where the anti-TPP demo was taking place. A thousand people, each one holding a hinomaru flag, many carrying large well-manufactured banners, megaphones in hand, all shouting in angry unison against TPP, and all this only days after the G-20 summit. My question was: How did all this take place so well-planned and well-played so fast ? I was later informed they were "nationalists". This kind of sent a chill up my spine as I realized I was amongst'em at their most well-roiled point. Who or what organized this so eerily efficiently ? What are "nationalists" ?

右翼は虫けら、ゴミ、負け犬とか。They are the right-wing scum of Japan. The worst breed of "japanese" we have here. These people are not people, they are the worst. They attack physically and verbally whoever they oppose. They are highly protected by the Tokyo police or kenpeitai as my husband calls them. Beware of those "people". They are problably contaminated with radioactive hatred. Their leader is named Sakurai Makoto. He's major SMEGMA. I utterly hate that "thing".

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Democrat, and ranking Republican Charles Grassley, as well as House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp, a Republican, and ranking Democrat Sander Levin signed the letter.

Be aware, Japanese Financial industry (Banking, investment banking, insurance, JA, and Japan Postal Saving ), the letter was sent to you from the US FINANCE COMMITTEE.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

U.S. negotiators must asses “whether Japan is willing and able to meet the high standard commitments inherent in U.S. free trade agreements

“Many of these barriers are deeply embedded in Japan’s economy, and to date, have persisted notwithstanding existing trade rules and years of bilateral engagement,” they said.

warned that Japan’s inclusion “would add dramatically new dimensions and complexities” to the talks.

In other words: "Japan has cleverly cheated on every single International Agreement it has signed so we can't assume they'll do any different here, since it is basically instiutionalized. And with Japan fading into obscurity, it may not be worth the bother of trying to force them to open up for their own good". Not good for Japan. It's history of stalling and doing nothing to open its markets, all the while exporting its way to prosperity, have come home to roost. And if anyone thinks this is just a U.S. feeling, guess again. It is why Japan has no meaningful FTA's in place. Japan has zero credibility when it comes to international trade.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Patrick Smash. I find it hilarious that you think I'm Japanese or that I support radiation. Great simple logic there matey. The problem is that USA on purpose on a daily basis serve food to people of such low quality that it is banned as dog food in most countries in the world. Are you suggesting that Japan should import GMO infested food due to the nuclear accident in Fukushima? There is no logic in what you say. Even Europe has no agricultural agreement with USA because Europeans too think the quality of American food is of such low quality. Why should Japan for that matter accept American GMO? If USA wants Japan to be a TPP member the llogical step would be for Americans to raise their level to international standards and not for Japan to lower their standards to American.

USA together with China are two of the few countries in the world where GMO food is sold in supermarkets without the consumer even being aware it is being sold. Why do Americans even put up with it? Any person with respect for themselves and the environment should take action and pressure their corrupt government. At least get som labeling laws to start with. Instead USA is now pushing their greedy cynical policy and trying to infest other countries to eat the crap they are eating. America, get a clue.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

I was down in the area where the anti-TPP demo was taking place. A thousand people, each one holding a hinomaru flag, many carrying large well-manufactured banners, megaphones in hand, all shouting in angry unison against TPP, and all this only days after the G-20 summit. My question was: How did all this take place so well-planned and well-played so fast ? I was later informed they were "nationalists". This kind of sent a chill up my spine as I realized I was amongst'em at their most well-roiled point. Who or what organized this so eerily efficiently ? What are "nationalists" ?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The Americas which include the US, Canada and Mexico must have a really good trade agreement. Because in the US I can buy food from either country and also from European, Thailand and China Imports. Heck if I want Gobo root from Japan or Diakon radish from Korea I can get that too. Just have to ask the grocer to order it for me. The US has choses and the prices are not through the Roof thank goodness.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

TPP that America imposes on Japan is a kind of America's colonial rules.

Look back over the modern Japanese history; in 10 years before the Meiji Restoration happened in 1868, Japan was forced to establish the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and America in 1858. This treaty is called an unequal treaty because Japan's tariff autonomy (the right to decide riff rate) was deprived and was forced to approve America’s extraterritorial rights in Japan. This treaty was signed by Ii Naosuke, the tairo of the Tokugawa Shogunate without the Emperor's permission. Many Samurais got angry with Tokugawa Shogunate’s weak-kneed diplomacy. This unequal treaty triggered the end of Tokugawa Shogunate and Meiji Restoration.

The Meiji Government which took over the unfair treaty accelerated and dedicated Japan’s modernization to make America revise the unequal treaty. Japan had Japanese-Sino War (1894-95) and Japanese-Russo War (1904-05) in modernization process. In 1911 that 53 years passed since the signing of this unequal treaty, Japan reclaimed Japan's own tariff autonomy at last. Ironically, 2011 is the 100th anniversary of the tariff autonomy restoration. Japan's tariff autonomy and jurisdiction are threatened by America again. History repeats itself.

We Japanese have to defend our own tariff autonomy and jurisdiction over foreigners. Because they are rights which our forefathers hard-obtained.

-13 ( +2 / -15 )

Are the people posting about "radioactive food" really Japanese, and really that ignorant and short-sighted? The radioactivity is a very recent and not a long lasting event. Aside from that, the food is amazingly better than the U.S. and most of the world.

As far as choices, well we have that in the U.S. We have categories such as Crap, Garbage, Rotten, OK, Decent, Wonderful, and Amazing. Unfortunately only the Crap and Garbage are affordable, the rest is so overpriced that the majority can't afford it. I'd stick with the limited high quality choices of Japan and affordability.

As for the TPP, I hope Japan stops this whole global economic expansion silliness, they're just going to get all the problems the rest of the world has.

-15 ( +0 / -15 )

Yuko Kondo,

"If Japan join to TPP is Japanes politics will be interfere by USA. It is to deny the democratic countries. Do American make the rule when they want to other people's cookie?"...

Yes, Yuko...we Americans love making everyone else feel like CRAP!!!...and we insist that ALL people of the world SHALL eat only chocolate chip cookies and American Apple Pie...lmao...

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Kentaro75, You need to stop using your PC and get out more, into the "REAL" world!!!...

Just spend the last 4 months at home in Tokyo and now am back in California at home and the way I see it all, there's not too much difference in the quality of the food in either country...it's just depends on how much you want to pay and how far you want to travel to get good safe food...

Japan just had that case around the country with bad raw hamburger meat...I can't remember the name of the recipe but I am sure you and others read or heard about it...and don't say Kentaro75 that it was American or Aussie beef...don't even go there!!!...it wasn't the beef, more than it was the food prep folks... .................................... David Juteau, "US Food is Crap"...ummmmmm....well, if you would stay out of Mac-D's, Wendy's, Burger King and all of the other "Crap" food chains, you would find that, in the USA, there are some of the top restaurants in the World...not cheap but good food...

And if you shop for food and make it yourself...you would find that you can make good food, just like you can in most countries...

So, on your statement of "US Food is Crap"...NOT!!!....

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Radioactivity aside (though a very serious concern!) Anybody with taste buds knows US food is crap! Period... And their factory farm production is the most inhumane way of treating animals possible... I'm all for freer trade... Japan needs to fix a lot of problems, but the USA way of doing things in not always the best...

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

If Japan join to TPP is Japanes politics will be interfere by USA. It is to deny the democratic countries. Do American make the rule when they want to other people's cookie?

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

@TAMAGAWABOAT

I think TPP does Japan no good and much harm. The catch-phrase of TPP is basically "abolition of all tariffs without exceptions". But Japan's tariff rate is not so higher than America's one. America wants to eliminate non-tariff barrier rooted in Japanese history and culture. This is America's real aim. Moreover, America is pushing Japan to lower Japan's food-safety standards in order to export beef. We Japanese consumerrs know that TPP will threat Japan's food-safety.

Mmm..not true as far as I know. sorry.

@Kentaro75

Japan food is best and most safe in the world. We dont want or need any foreign, dangerous, awful taste garbage food.especialy rice.

Please stop posting such lies. If that was true, we wouldn't be eating RADIOACTIVE foods right now!!! Stop the "WE" thing. Because I do not consider myself part of that "WE". I want more OPTIONS. Period.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Is it me or suddenly this thread is getting "flooded" with FEAR-MONGERS claiming to be "japanese"?!?

LOL!!!

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Kentaro

Japan food is best and most safe in the world. We dont want or need any foreign, dangerous, awful taste garbage food.especialy rice.

Never has a more incorrect statement been made

Even before the food chain became contaminated with radiation the food here was not safe, how about all the expired food relabeling, the meat company that was selling past use by date meat and repacking it, then snow brand, then the rice relabeling, and the countless other scams running rampant through the japanese food industry and Kentaro you have the blind ignorance to say japan food is the safest in the world, hah, just shows how mislead these people really are, unbelievable.

In actual fact New Zealand has the safest food in the world, it's a scientific fact.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Japan food is best and most safe in the world. We dont want or need any foreign, dangerous, awful taste garbage food.especialy rice.

hahahaha! The farmers mixed their rice to make it less radioactive, even Japanese media has reported on the radioactive rice... they just mix it with other rice to reduce it... Did the same thing with milk and beef, they just shipped the cows out of the area... please read up. Don't even get me started on the mercury tainted whale meat.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Japan food is best and most safe in the world. We dont want or need any foreign, dangerous, awful taste garbage food.especialy rice.

-25 ( +4 / -29 )

BurakuminDes

I think we all know the Japanese do a pretty good job of threatening Japan's food safety!

Spot on, l find it hilarious all these Japanese people coming out of the woodwork saying how the TPP will threaten the quality and safety of Japanese food. The biggest threats to Japanese food are Fukushima, the Japanese government and the incompetence shown in handling the situation. Maybe those that are so concerned about the importing of foreign food should actually have a look at what they are currently eating and what its contaminated with. Mmmm more cesium please.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

OPEN OPEN OPEN!

I want better prices and more selections.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

We Japanese consumerrs know that TPP will threat Japan's food-safety.

I think we all know the Japanese do a pretty good job of threatening Japan's food safety!

8 ( +11 / -3 )

I think TPP does Japan no good and much harm. The catch-phrase of TPP is basically "abolition of all tariffs without exceptions". But Japan's tariff rate is not so higher than America's one. America wants to eliminate non-tariff barrier rooted in Japanese history and culture. This is America's real aim. Moreover, America is pushing Japan to lower Japan's food-safety standards in order to export beef. We Japanese consumerrs know that TPP will threat Japan's food-safety.

-13 ( +3 / -16 )

@BurakuminDes

Stop infesting the world with your filth to ordinary people. We have higher standards than the ignorant American consumer.

@ Dotoblock - So - feeding your kids school lunches containing unacceptably high levels of cesium and strontium is having "higher standards"? Your nation sadly has NO standards, and that, my friend, is the problem.

EXACTLY!!!!! Well said, my friend. (^_^)

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Stop infesting the world with your filth to ordinary people. We have higher standards than the ignorant American consumer.

@ Dotoblock - So - feeding your kids school lunches containing unacceptably high levels of cesium and strontium is having "higher standards"? Your nation sadly has NO standards, and that, my friend, is the problem.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

to the benefit of our companies, workers and farmers

Hmm...But souldn't a country-any country in the world-open its market, or take any other economical/political measures tothe benefit of their people first, and then to think of the "companies, workers and farmers " of any other country. I agree that Japan must ease on drug, food, appliances and cars market, especially with all this radiation problem and the increasing criticism of their old medical system (outdated vaccines,for example), and I think that Japanese people will actualy benefit when new and good drugs, yummy and healthy, cheap radiation-free food and good cheaper appliances, but the point is that wether they benefit or not should be more important factor for Japan to join TPP rather than benefit for the US or any other partner's "companies, workers and farmers".

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Japan may accept but after modifying to read as "Te Pi Pi" comic version that will be different than original TPP. US lawmakers and most of JT readers are right...Japan will not join or if it does it will not abide by the rules.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Same here, warnebro and Patrick. Same here.

I do not want to eat RADIATION!!!!

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Dotobock, the problem for Japan will be that Japanese products and materials are now filled with radioactive substances. Even cars have been found to have very high levels of radioactivity. The problem will get worse as the radioactive debris is burned all over Japan and pollen brings more contamination to Tokyo. Places that were not highly contaminated will become so. Nobody in the world except Japanese are willing to eat 500 becquerels in food or feed it to their children. But if Japan joins the TPP, I might be able to buy more food from abroad that is not contaminated by radiation. So I'm all for it.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

They may join but still keep the barriers up by working around the rules.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Historical evidence would say "Don't bother Japan" wait till they come begging and claiming they were excluded due to their exclusiveness.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Japan won't join the TPP. The entry requirements will be too tough for protectionist Japanese swallow. A pity.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

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