Posted on 04/15/2025 11:55:28 PM PDT by Cronos
Takeshi Niinami, who is also chairman and CEO of Japanese drinks manufacturer Suntory Holdings, pointed out Japan was the biggest foreign investor in the U.S. and the largest holder of U.S. Treasury bonds.
Japan should therefore talk about more opportunities to invest in the United States, and will keep its massive stock of U.S. Treasurys, Niinami said, adding “We know that the President is [very concerned] over the bond market,”
Japan has “many cards” to play in tariff negotiations with the United States, according to Takeshi Niinami, senior economic advisor to Japan’s prime minister.
His comments comes ahead of a three-day trip by top negotiator Ryosei Akazawa to the U.S. for talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Niinami, who is also chairman and CEO of Japanese drinks manufacturer Suntory Holdings, told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” that he is “cautiously optimistic” about the trade talks.
...Japan holds about $1.1 trillion in U.S. Treasurys, and Trump said that the bond market sell-off last week was part of the reason he U-turned on his “reciprocal” tariffs.
Another move Tokyo could make would be to talk about military purchases from the U.S. as it strives to increase defense spending to 2% of gdp
Japan and the U.S. have deep military relations, and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces use a wide array of U.S. equipment, including fighter jets, helicopters and some small arms.
“Let’s normalize the relations, because we are the biggest ally of the United States. So we want to normalize the relationship, and we want to upgrade the relationship between U.S. and Japan in terms of regional security,”
Japan had been hit with a 24% “reciprocal” tariff by Trump, although this has been suspended for 90 days from April 9, leaving a 10% baseline tariff.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnbc.com ...
Ya right. Japan is an isolated island without natural resources. Game over for Japan.
Yes, you are correct. Japan is a country without natural resources.
However, Japan is a country with great human resources.
Look at the extraordinary success they’ve had in sedan manufacturing in the U.S. Toyota and Honda lead other manufacturers by a wide margin.
It’s one thing to stamp out simple electric cars like the Chinese do in their own country. It’s something else to manufacture high performance gasoline or hybrid cars in a foreign country.
The fact is that they imbue their factories with something we Americans generally do not take seriously in business. They work for a harmonious situation in their fact9ries and work, as well in their supply chains..The Japanese inherit this view from the Shinto tradition. ( Which is why most cars in Japan tend to be white, the color of purity and protection, and blessed at a Shinto shrine after purchase.)
If you disbelieve me, read the “Go Rin No Sho” a book of strategy applicable to business:
It is this view which has been transposed to America, which initially the Japanese thought could only exist inside of Japan.They have a rigid and organized approach, but the pay off is harmony and happiness of personnel, as well as high quality product.
Tokyo will conduct its negotiations in this view of harmony, with the Trump administration also.....they will unerringly achieve a harmonious result.You will notice that President Trump likes dealing with them.
But the down side? The rigidity of approach may stifle ingenuity....which is where America comes in.That’s our BIG card.That ingenuity has historically been given by us, absorbed by Japanese industry and that gives them an edge.And it is what the Chinese steal from us.Japan will help stop China. The Japanese look at the communist Chinese
as low life.And they are internationally.Scavengers and aggressive dirt bags for the most part.
Back in the early 2000s , a Chinese ship would show up in Osaka to buy scrap steel, and they would buy a ship load, then suddenly leave in the middle of the night after the ships crew went ashore to remove every man hole cover, bicycle rack and steel fixture they could.
The Japanese dislike and distrust the Communist Chinese who enter their country because they have no harmony, only aggression and tyranny...like orcs.You bet they will help us in the bridling of China.
“It’s one thing to stamp out simple electric cars like the Chinese do in their own country. It’s something else to manufacture high performance gasoline or hybrid cars in a foreign country.”
No kidding! Just being able to keep the UAW Scum out of their factories, for DECADES, is something that legends are made of.
You add a lot of value to the forum. Thank you for your perspective, you have taught me a few new things. 😍
You add a lot of value to the forum. Thank you for your perspective, you have taught me a few new things. 😍>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
My pleasure Laz, and thank you for your kindness in saying so.
I feel likewise about your posts.
Japan has a falling birth rate.
The Korean automakers are eating Honda and Toyota’s lunch..Nissan has financial issues and may not survive.
The same with TVs - LG and Samsung seem to dominate the US market-not Sony.
You may well be right.. Korean cars are excellent. Nissan is in serious trouble. Will other brands catch up with Honda and Toyota? The future will tell.
I play pickleball in a small city that had a big Sharp Electronics plant. Those factories are all shuttered. They definitely lost the battle to win the LCD television race.
You’re right, Bobl. Keeping the UAW out of their factories was an achievement for the ages. And the state of Ohio, for one, has reaped the reward.
Hey Candor7,
Wonderful.
As usual, your analyses are thought-provoking and candid :-)
I just bought a manga version of Go Rin No Sho. I’m going to read it and get back to you soon with my thinking about it.
Cheers.
Another CNBC wet-dream...
Most cars are white. Cheaper.
Biographical Novel of Mushashi)
I also recommend "Sword of No Sword, the Biography of Yamaoka Tesshu," who was a Bakumatsu statesman samurai.
https://www.amazon.com/Sword-No-Sword-Master-Warrior-Tesshu/dp/1570620504)
I am content these days to watch old re-runs of Zato Ichi.
It sounds like you are deepening your connection with Dai Nihon.
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