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Bangkok Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Explainer: What is Japan's trade policy on rice?
TOKYO - US President Donald Trump has complained that Japan was not buying American rice, putting pressure on Tokyo as it struggles to seal a trade deal before so-called "reciprocal" tariffs are set to kick in on July 9. Tokyo has not budged on rice, a staple food and cultural heritage that it says is fundamental to its national food security. The rice market is largely protected with trade barriers, although a domestic shortage and a spike in prices have led to a surge in imports this year. What is Japan's trade policy on rice? Under a World Trade Organization (WTO) "minimum access" framework introduced in 1995, Japan imports about 770,000 metric tonnes of rice tariff-free every year. Up to 100,000 tonnes of that is earmarked for staple rice, equivalent to about 1% of total domestic consumption of about 7 million tonnes. Of the total 767,000 tonnes Japan imported in the last fiscal year to March 2025, 45% came from the United States. Beyond the "minimum access" framework, Japan imposes a levy of 341 yen (76 baht) per kilogramme, which has, for the most part, effectively priced imports out of the market. As domestic rice prices soared over the past year, a panel advising the Finance Ministry proposed expanding imports of staple rice - which is eaten at meals rather than used for feed or as an ingredient in other products - saying that lifting the 100,000-tonne tariff-free cap could help stabilise supply. In the annual report released by the US Trade Representative in March, Washington criticised Japan's rice import and distribution system as "highly regulated and nontransparent" and said that it limited US exporters' ability to have "meaningful access" to Japanese consumers. Is Japan importing more rice? A doubling in domestic rice prices from the levels of a year ago has fuelled a surge in imports, as businesses and consumers clamour for cheaper options. In the fiscal year that ended in March 2025, tariff-free imports of staple rice hit the 100,000-tonne cap for the first time in seven years. About 60,000 tonnes came from the US. In an effort to provide cheaper rice to consumers more quickly, the Farm Ministry brought forward to June a tender usually held in September for the first 30,000 tonnes of tariff-free, imported staple rice for this year. Of the total tendered, 25,541 tonnes were from the US, followed by 1,500 tonnes from Australia and 708 tonnes from Thailand. For tariffed staple rice, private companies imported some 10,600 tonnes in May alone, of which about three-quarters came from the US, according to Finance Ministry data. That compares with total imports of 3,004 tonnes for all of fiscal 2024. What happened in the last US-Japan trade deal? The last bilateral trade deal was sealed in 2019 during Trump's first term, with then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The US aimed to restore its farmers' lost market share after Trump pulled the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact in 2017. Japan made concessions on US beef and pork, agreeing to gradually lower or eliminate tariffs, but rice was left out. Under TPP, Japan would have accepted 70,000 tonnes of US staple rice per year tariff-free under a US-specific quota, but this was not included in the bilateral deal.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
When former First Lady of Japan outclassed Donald Trump—by not speaking English
Image: Image: Image: Image: Image: 1 2 There's a certain kind of silence that speaks louder than words. And in 2017, when then-Japanese First Lady Akie Abe sat next to President Donald Trump at a G20 dinner in Hamburg and reportedly didn't say a word to him for nearly two hours, the world took notice. Trump, famously incapable of hiding his disdain when things don't go his way, later told the New York Times that Mrs. Abe "doesn't speak English," implying that their lack of conversation was due to the language barrier. But here's where things got really interesting: Akie Abe does speak English. Not fluently, perhaps, but certainly enough to navigate basic conversations. She's delivered speeches in English, and interacted with international audiences. So, what gives? The answer, for many Japanese citizens and fans of soft diplomacy around the globe, was simple—her silence was intentional. And that silence, whether calculated or circumstantial, was interpreted by many in Japan as a small but powerful act of protest. A quiet resistance. An elegant refusal to play along. A First Lady unlike any other To understand why Akie Abe was hailed as a hero for saying absolutely nothing, you have to understand who she is. Unlike many political spouses who stay firmly in the shadow of their powerful partners, Akie was never the traditional Japanese First Lady. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo A former DJ and vocal advocate for progressive causes like LGBTQ+ rights, marijuana legalization (gasp!), and renewable energy, she often clashed with the more conservative policies of her husband, Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving Prime Minister. In Japan's buttoned-up political circles, she was seen as refreshingly rebellious, a little unpredictable, and delightfully candid. So when she 'didn't speak' to Trump, people didn't see a woman held back by a language barrier—they saw a woman making a statement. The power of choosing not to engage Now, let's be real. Sitting through a two-hour dinner next to someone like Donald Trump and saying nothing would require either a saint's patience or a very good reason. And the idea that Akie Abe simply chose not to engage with a man whose worldview clashed with hers felt incredibly satisfying to many observers. Especially in a global political climate where women in power are often expected to be overly gracious, endlessly diplomatic, and performatively pleasant, Akie's quiet non-compliance felt... radical. It wasn't loud. It wasn't disruptive. It was polite, culturally appropriate, and eerily effective. In that moment, she seemed to embody an ancient Japanese art form: saying everything by saying nothing at all. A lesson in cultural nuance Western media, of course, had a field day. Trump's comment that she 'doesn't even speak English' was met with raised eyebrows and plenty of fact-checking. But in Japan, the response was more layered. Rather than outrage, there was admiration. Online forums lit up with praise for the First Lady. Memes circulated. Articles framed her silence as a kind of political jujitsu—using her supposed weakness (language skills) to disarm an opponent without ever throwing a punch. It was a masterclass in tatemae versus honne—the Japanese concept of outward appearance versus inner truth. And in this case, her tatemae (public behavior) was the perfect mask for a potential honne (true feeling) of disapproval. She didn't roll her eyes. She didn't tweet about it. She just... didn't play. When language becomes a weapon—and a shield The global obsession with English proficiency often puts pressure on non-native speakers to conform to a Western ideal of communication. If you want to be respected, we're told, speak English. If you want to be heard, make it accessible for Americans. But Akie Abe's refusal—or perhaps, her performance of refusal—to engage in English was a subtle reminder that silence can be just as assertive as speech. In fact, her actions (or inactions) sparked debates about how language, or the lack thereof, can be wielded as both a weapon and a shield in global politics. It was a rare moment where not being able—or pretending not to be able—to speak English was seen as a flex. A form of resistance against a leader whose very presence symbolized a type of international bravado that many found tiresome. In a world dominated by loud opinions, Akie's silence echoed louder than Trump's tweets. The internet loved it Social media, especially in Japan and among progressives worldwide, had a field day. Think pieces flooded the web. People called her a queen, an icon, a master of passive resistance. The image of her sitting silently, smiling politely, became a meme of almost mythic proportions. And unlike the usual cycle of over-hyping a moment until it collapses under scrutiny, this one stuck. Akie Abe didn't just survive the dinner—she elevated it into performance art. It's strange, isn't it? That in a world so obsessed with visibility and vocal activism, one of the most resonant political statements came from a dinner seat left politely, firmly silent. Akie Abe didn't protest with placards or soundbites. She didn't tweet in uppercase letters. She didn't give speeches on international stages condemning U.S. policy. She just leaned into a moment, allowed the assumption of her silence to take root, and let others fill in the blanks. Whether it was a deliberate snub or just an awkward dinner, it didn't really matter in the end. What mattered was the symbolism—and how ready people were to interpret her silence as strength. In a world that often demands women be endlessly accommodating, Akie Abe reminded us that sometimes, the loudest thing you can do... is nothing at all.
News18
21-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Progresses With 300 Km Elevated Track
Last Updated: The completion of300 km of viaduct work marks a significant milestone in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has reached a significant milestone with 300 km of viaduct work completed. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today, May 20, announced the achievement on X (formerly Twitter). The minister shared the update via a video clip on the social media platform. The first bullet train project in India, being carried out by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), has reached a significant milestone with this breakthrough. To ensure speed, limit land acquisition concerns, and prevent level crossings, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor is primarily being built on viaducts. The train line is maintained above ground by these viaducts, which are elevated tracks usually composed of concrete girders and supports. The NHSRCL reported in November 2023 that the corridor's 250 km of piers and 100 km of viaduct had been completed. 'Progress of Bullet Train project: Till date: 21.11.2023. Pillars: 251.40 km. Elevated super-structure: 103.24 km," in a previous post on X, Railway Minister Vaishnaw included a video showing the current work. advetisement The NHSRCL claims that the viaduct work spans the Par, Purna, Mindhola, Ambika, Auranga, and Venganiya, the six main rivers in Gujarat. They are situated in the districts of Navsari and Valsad. The via ducts are constructed with segmental girders and full-span box girders that are 40 meters long. Along the constructed sections, noise barriers are already being put in place. As per TOI, there are also additional important componentsunder construction. The first reinforced concrete track bed, modelled after Japan's Shinkansen 'J-slab ballastless" track system, was laid in Surat, making it the first installation of its kind in India. A 350-meter mountain tunnel in Valsad was also completed as part of the project, and the first of 28 steel bridges, a 70-meter structure, was built in Surat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe laid the cornerstone of the bullet train line between Mumbai and Ahmedabad on September 14, 2017. NHSRCL was established in February 2016 and operates as a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Ministry of Railways. The national government and the state governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra share equity in the company. The high-speed rail corridor is anticipated to revolutionise travel between the two cities once it is operational, bringing Japanese Shinkansen technology to India and drastically cutting down on journey time. Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India — including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news, EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
300km viaduct completed: Sneak peek into India's first bullet train project; watch video
NEW DELHI: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has achieved a key milestone with the completion of 300 km of viaduct work, union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday. The update was shared in a video posted by the minister on social media platform X. This development marks India's first bullet train project, which is being executed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). In November 2023, the NHSRCL had reported the completion of 100 km of viaduct and 250 km of pier work along the corridor. "Progress of Bullet Train project: Till date: 21.11.2023. Pillars: 251.40 km. Elevated super-structure: 103.24 km," Vaishnaw had said in a previous post on X, alongside a video showing ongoing construction. According to NHSRCL, the viaduct work includes structures over six major rivers in Gujarat: Par, Purna, Mindhola, Ambika, Auranga, and Venganiya. These are located in the Valsad and Navsari districts. The viaducts are built using 40-metre-long full span box girders and segmental girders, and noise barriers are already being installed along constructed stretches. Construction on other key components is also underway. In Surat, the first reinforced concrete track bed, based on Japan's Shinkansen 'J-slab ballastless' track system, has been laid—marking the first such installation in India. Additionally, the project achieved the breakthrough of a 350-metre-long mountain tunnel in Valsad and erected the first of 28 planned steel bridges, a 70-metre structure, in Surat. The bullet train corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-Japanese PM Shinzo Abe on September 14, 2017. NHSRCL, incorporated in February 2016, functions as a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Ministry of Railways with equity participation from the central government, as well as the state governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Once operational, the high-speed rail corridor is expected to transform travel between the two cities, significantly reducing travel time while introducing Japanese Shinkansen technology to India. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Japan Forward
24-04-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
India's Quest for a Bullet Train: Where It Stands Now
On a warm, sunny morning in September 2017 in the Western city of Ahmedabad, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe jointly laid the foundation stone for India's historic first high-speed rail project. Popularly known as the bullet train project, it would connect Ahmedabad to India's financial capital, Mumbai. As a reporter present there, I can attest to the excitement and fanfare that reached a fever pitch. The project was widely regarded as a quantum leap in India's development journey ー with the help of its trusted friend, Japan. Prime Minister Abe was accorded a grand welcome. The city of Ahmedabad decked up all throughout the route of his cavalcade's journey. Prime Minister Modi also joined in the parade. The high-speed rail project's groundbreaking ceremony was the clear highlight of that bilateral visit, which further solidified India-Japan relations and elevated Mr Abe as one of the most popular heads of state. Indians recognized his steadfast commitment to Japan's role in advancing the country's stride towards becoming a developed nation. Much has happened since then. Originally planned for a 2022 launch, the bullet train project has hit several delays. There were multiple reasons, but one was the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, unfortunately, one of the original visionaries of this project, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was assassinated in Japan. His loss was deeply felt in India, too. Now, the project has a revised deadline of 2026 for a partial launch. At the same time, it remains one of the most enigmatic and symbolic infrastructure projects in India's modern history. Bullet train construction in Ahmedabad, India. (©National High-Speed Rail Corporation) Despite the excitement surrounding the project, there were multiple teething troubles. At the very beginning, land acquisition became a huge obstacle as multiple farmer organizations raised their dissatisfaction at the allegedly inadequate compensation proposals. They further objected that land had been earmarked for takeover without proper consultations and assessment of the entire project's impact on them. One highlighted problem was from a socio-economic perspective. Farmers widely believed that because they came from a poorer background, riding on the bullet train would remain out of their reach. Back in 2018, I interviewed multiple farmers who were agitating against the project near Mumbai. All of them echoed the same sentiment ー that the bullet train was an amenity for the rich. Poor farmers, they argued, were being asked to sacrifice their ancestral lands for a 'vanity' project. I reached out to a couple of them for this report, and their mindset had changed quite a bit. Mr Moreshwar Balya Douda (63), who was one of the village heads organizing resistance to the project, was one. He said: (©National High Speed Rail Corporation) "We may not actually use the bullet train, but we later realized that it might bring a lot of prosperity to the region as it could become an industrial hub. Our children need jobs, and with industrialization, well-paying jobs can become a reality here." Douda is a resident of Palghar, one of the less industrialized districts of Maharashtra state. He lives around a 2-hour drive from the state's capital city, Mumbai. Eventually, by offering more compensation through a sustained dialogue and minor changes in the route, the government won over the farmers. However, it did consume a lot of time. Environmental impact concerns were also a cause of delay. The high-speed rail corridor would pass through an ecologically sensitive mangrove forest region near the coastal areas of Mumbai. It necessitated the cutting down of thousands of trees. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC), the organization responsible for implementing the project, was required to submit extensive mitigation plans. These detailed the efforts it would undertake to offset the loss of mangrove forests. Multiple lawsuits were filed, and they dragged on for years. Japan has been an indispensable partner in this project. Very recently, it was reported that Japan would gift India E3 and E5 series Shinkansen trains for free to run trials. This additional help followed the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)'s significant loan to India at the inception of the project. At that time, JICA earmarked a loan for INR 880 billion ($10.3 billion USD) at a very nominal interest rate. That prompted PM Modi to term the project "a big gift from Japan to India" However, because of the complexities of the project, there was also some friction over the years, leading to delays. For example, according to the JICA loan contract, only Japanese Shinkansen makers can apply for tenders to sell trains to India. However, their tender filing has been delayed. The delay did not go well with India, which considered using indigenously made bullet trains to ply on this route instead of Japanese Shinkansen. It prompted India's railway minister, Mr Ashwini Vaishnaw, to visit Japan in December 2024 to iron out the differences. Japan's recent decision to gift E3 and E5 series trains and the renewed vigor in the project can be attributed to Mr Vaishnaw's Tokyo visit. (©National High Speed Rail Corporation) Initially pegged to cost INR 1080 billion ($12.65 billion ), the cost has ballooned due to the delays. Estimates now exceed INR 1600 billion ($18.7 billion ). Nevertheless, the work is now going on in full steam. And the adjusted 2026 deadline for partial launch of the high-speed rail looks plausible. As of April 15, according to data shared exclusively with JAPAN Forward by the NHSRC, 298 km out of a total 508 km of viaduct construction between Ahmedabad and Mumbai has been completed. Pier work, girder casting, and pier foundation are in place for 374 km, 320 km, and 393 km, respectively. There are 12 stations planned, and work has started on the 3 elevated stations. NHSRC has also started working on seven mountain tunnels and one undersea tunnel, the first of its kind in India. The 21 km tunnel connecting two areas within Mumbai has also started. Japan has already made an indelible imprint on India's development story. Be it the Maruti Suzuki-inspired personal vehicle revolution or the construction of Delhi Metro, one of the longest metro routes in the world that has transformed Delhi's transportation landscape, Japan's partnership is second to none. (©National High Speed Rail Corporation) Once partially completed, when the first bullet train rolls out in Gujarat, it will be a monument to India's aspirations and progress. Just as importantly, though, it represents the enduring nature of the special strategic relationship India and Japan share. Despite certain hiccups, the present numbers clearly show how the project is being steamrolled. The government of India recently stated that, beyond the connectivity part, once completed, this project would transform the economic landscape of Ahmedabad and the entire corridor. For a country like India, which still has extreme poverty and suffers from underdevelopment, such a project of regional connectivity can be truly transformative. Look for it to usher in a new era of development far beyond its identity as just a rail connection. Author: Devadeep Chowdhury (New Delhi)
