Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at a news conference on April 1 (Takeshi Iwashita)

Ahead of new U.S. tariffs on automobiles, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on April 1 tried to alleviate concerns at a news conference with measures that could include negotiating directly with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“I will continue to strongly urge the United States to exclude our country from the tariffs,” Ishiba said. 

The news conference was held at the prime minister’s office following the approval of the initial budget for fiscal 2025 the previous day.

Ishiba said he will “take all possible measures” to provide financial support to small and midsize businesses and others once Trump’s tariff measures take effect.

The central government and ruling coalition will coordinate on how to respond to the situation, he said.

Trump announced 25-percent tariffs on automobiles imported into the United States starting on April 3, and included Japan among the impacted countries.

Concern has been growing in Japan about the economic impact of the tariffs.

Ishiba said the government will respond by establishing 1,000 consultation offices across the country and strengthening support for fund-raising.

Ishiba also mentioned the possibility of direct negotiations with Trump.

“Once I have a full picture of (the negotiations), if I decide that it is appropriate for me to go there, I will do so without hesitation,” he said.

APLOGIZED AGAIN FOR GIFT CERTIFICATES

At the beginning of the news conference, Ishiba again apologized for handing out gift certificates to newly elected Diet members of the Liberal Democratic Party.

“I may have lost sight of myself in some respects. I accept this point frankly and sincerely regret it,” he said.

On March 3, Ishiba distributed 100,000 yen ($670) gift certificates in connection with a meeting with 15 new LDP lawmakers. The act drew criticism from the ruling and opposition parties and caused a drop in support for the Cabinet.

Ishiba said, “I must frankly admit that I have strayed from the sense of the people.”

He also said, “I have renewed my determination to take the thoughts of the people seriously.”

Asked about the possibility of dissolving the Lower House and holding a general election, Ishiba said, “That is not at all what I am thinking of at present.”

Regarding the Cabinet’s low approval rating, Ishiba said, “It is all my responsibility. I have no choice but to make every effort to regain the trust of the public after intense reflection.”

Asked if he is considering holding same-day elections for the Lower and Upper houses or approaching opposition parties to form a coalition, and if he thinks there would be no obstacles to remaining a minority ruling party, Ishiba said, “I am not considering dissolution, general elections, simultaneous elections for both houses, reorganizing the coalition or anything like that at this time.”

Ishiba added that despite being a minority ruling party, they were able to have the budget approved by the end of the fiscal year thanks to the efforts of many people.

“From today onward, I will make a fresh start and do my utmost with humility and sincerity,” he said. “That is all I can say at this time.”

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