Japan Press Weekly

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2013 February 27 - March 5 TOP3 [ECONOMY]

70% of LDP Dietmembers oppose TPP

Among 295 Liberal Democratic Party parliamentarians who won seats in the House of Representatives general election at the end of last year, 70% expressed opposition to Japan’s entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free-trade pact, Akahata revealed.

Regarding the election, a political group of the Japan Agriculture Group gave its support to LDP candidates on condition that they object to Japan’s entry into negotiations for the free-trade agreement. Out of the 295, 163 ran in the election with the backing of this group.

Akahata noted their election promises written on official leaflets which were delivered to voters during the election campaign and their responses to inquiries conducted by major media.

Defense Minister Onodera Itsunori, who represents the No.6 district of disaster-affected Miyagi Prefecture, in an official election leaflet stated, “If Japan takes part in the TPP now, the disaster-devastated Tohoku region and Japan’s primary industry sector will face a harsh situation. I’ll stand by my opposition to the TPP.”

Welfare Minister Tamura Norihisa whose constituency is Mie’s No.4 district stated, “I strongly protest against a complete withdrawal of tariffs. It will probably destroy Japan’s agriculture and the universal health insurance system.”

Many LDP candidates in public election flyers and media inquiries took an anti-TPP position in line with the party’s election promise to “oppose participation in TPP negotiations if removal of all tariffs without exception is a presupposition.”

Hosoda Ken’ichi who won his seat in Niigata’s No.2 district stated, “The TPP’s basic premise is to abolish the duty from all items, which is totally unacceptable for Japan.”