Press Conference by Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru regarding His Summit Telephone Talk with U.S. President Trump

[Opening statement by Prime Minister Ishiba]

I apologize for holding a press conference at such a late hour. I had a summit telephone talk with President Trump just now. While the recent tariff measures imposed by the U.S. are extremely regrettable, I reminded President Trump that Japan has been the world’s largest investor in the U.S. for five consecutive years, and I expressed my strong concerns that the tariff measures by the U.S. could weaken investment capacity among Japanese companies. I also stated that Japan and the United States should pursue ways to promote broader cooperation that benefits both our countries mutually, including enhancing our investments, rather than imposing unilateral tariffs.

President Trump indicated his frank recognition of the circumstances in which the United States now finds itself within the international economy. I confirmed with President Trump that we will continue to have candid and constructive discussions going forward. Grounded in the exchange we had today at the summit level, we decided that we will on both sides designate a minister in charge of this matter and continue our mutual consultations. Japan will use these consultations to strongly urge the United States to reconsider its measures.

As for me, I believe we will overcome this situation, which we should consider a national crisis, and from this, a new Japan will emerge. Tomorrow morning, I will hold a meeting of our Comprehensive Response Headquarters for U.S. Tariff Measures, in which my entire Cabinet will participate, where we will discuss how we will respond in the future.

The Japanese Government will work as a united front in taking all possible means to respond to these tariff measures, on behalf of the Japanese people and companies worried about the situation. I ask once again for everyone's understanding and cooperation. 

I will end my opening statement here.

(On whether or not there were conditions that Japan presented as what it sought regarding the removal or reduction of tariffs, or conditions Japan urged during the attempt to persuade the U.S. side; with regard to the designation of a minister in charge of this matter, on how, having had this summit telephone talk, Prime Minister Ishiba now feels about the importance of visiting the United States, in light of Prime Minister Ishiba having thus far spoken of the possibility of, or importance of making such a visit)

Insofar as that touches on diplomatic exchanges, I wish to refrain from saying anything beyond what I mentioned just now.

That said, as for the timing of a visit to the United States, or whether or not such a visit will take place, naturally, I am considering making a visit at the most appropriate time. As I mentioned a moment ago, President Trump and I agreed to designate ministers in charge of this matter. It goes without saying that I intend to keep an eye on how the situation develops and visit the United States at the most appropriate time to meet directly with President Trump.

(On whether or not Prime Minister Ishiba can say specifically at this moment which minister will be in charge of the matter)

As of today, we agreed that we will each appoint one of our cabinet members to oversee the consultations. From now, we will move forward in choosing the appropriate people, with the U.S. and Japan each appointing our own representative. It is not the case that any specific names have arisen as of right now.