U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Japan's passive rice imports, while the Japanese government, which is in negotiations with the United States, is withholding comments on whether rice is a subject of the negotiations.
On the 1st, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan's government spokesperson and chief cabinet secretary, stated at a regular press conference regarding related questions, "The two countries, the United States and Japan, are continuing serious and sincere discussions," and added, "I will not disclose the specific negotiation details in detail."
Earlier, on the 30th (local time), President Trump expressed dissatisfaction by posting on his social media (SNS) platform, Truth Social, that he wanted to show "how much countries around the world have become spoiled towards the U.S.," adding, "Despite facing a severe shortage of rice, Japan refuses to import our rice."
Trump also specified in that post that he would send a trade-related letter to Japan.
Minister Hayashi showed a cautious attitude, stating, "I will refrain from answering every comment made by U.S. government officials."
Nevertheless, he stated, "I do not think of sacrificing agriculture in future negotiations," adding that "what must be protected will be protected, and the government will unite to secure the maximum advantages for Japan."
Meanwhile, according to Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, rice prices in Japan have shown a declining trend for five consecutive weeks due to recent measures such as the release of 'half-price stockpiled rice.'
The average price of 5 kg of rice is 3,801 yen (about 35,837 won), which is a decrease of 119 yen (3.0%) from the previous week, but it remains approximately 1.7 times higher than the same period last year (2,230 yen).