Japan Responds to U.S. Tariffs Amid Global Trade Concerns
On April 1, 2025, new employees of the Japan Airlines Co. group participated in a unique welcoming ceremony at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, where they launched paper planes inscribed with their aspirations and objectives.
In significant political news, Japan has voiced serious concern regarding the recent decision by the United States to implement reciprocal tariffs on Japanese goods. The Japanese government expressed deep regret over this development, arguing that it may contradict established global trade regulations. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba highlighted that the comprehensive trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. could negatively affect bilateral economic relations, as well as the broader global economy and multilateral trade frameworks. Ishiba stated he would consider discussing these tariffs directly with U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a related diplomatic development, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to visit Japan next week for his first official trip in this role. During his three-day visit, Rutte will meet with Prime Minister Ishiba to discuss critical issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the importance of maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Market reactions have been swift, with the Nikkei stock index experiencing a nearly 3 percent decline, reaching an eight-month low amid heightened fears of a global economic downturn following the announcement of U.S. tariffs. Concurrently, the U.S. dollar fell to a three-week low against the yen as investors sought the Japanese currency, perceiving it as a safe-haven asset amidst the uncertain economic landscape.
In China, officials expressed strong opposition to the U.S. tariffs, promising to implement countermeasures to protect their economic interests. The Chinese Commerce Ministry urged Washington to retract the unilateral tariffs and engage in dialogue to resolve trade disputes equitably. South Korea, on the other hand, has opted for negotiations with the United States in hopes of mitigating the impact of these new duties.
On a different note, the family of a Sri Lankan woman who tragically died while in detention at a Japanese immigration facility in 2021 is preparing to file a lawsuit demanding the release of all security footage related to her death. The family's legal representatives indicated they would contest the immigration authorities' refusal to disclose additional footage, with plans to take the matter to the Tokyo District Court in the coming months.
In organized crime news, Japan's National Police Agency reported that the number of yakuza members has reached a historic low, with only 18,800 members recorded at the end of last year. This decline is attributed to increasing crackdowns on organized crime and the emergence of anonymous criminal groups that operate outside traditional structures.
In sports, amateur runners from various nations have departed Beijing en route to Pyongyang for the first international marathon in six years, marking a significant event in North Korea. Participants from around 45 countries, including notable entries from Britain, Germany, and Canada, have registered, although no runners from Japan will be present.
In Major League Baseball, Chicago Cubs' Seiya Suzuki showcased an impressive performance by hitting two home runs in a game against the Oakland Athletics, contributing significantly to his team's 10-2 victory. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, delivered a dramatic walk-off home run, helping his team maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
