TOKYO – Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been full of bluster during street rallies for the Upper House election on July 20, striking a note of defiance over US trade tariffs as he swore that his country “will not be taken for fools”.

The beleaguered Premier, who also faces domestic pressures, said at a rally speech in Funabashi, near Tokyo, on July 9: “This is a battle fought over national interests. We must say what we have to say, squarely and bluntly, to our ally. We will not be disrespected.”

He would later stress that Japan is “not to be underestimated”.

While Tokyo was expected to

dig in its heels

in trade negotiations with Washington, Mr Ishiba’s comments have raised eyebrows among voters, alarmed policymakers and drawn blowback from politicians, not just those in opposition but also within his own Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Such rhetoric may be par for the course for leaders of other security allies of the United States, such as European countries.

But it is rare for any Japanese prime minister to speak out so harshly in public.

Will Mr Ishiba be rewarded for his bluntness?

His statements were borne out of domestic political expediency, and he struck a more conciliatory tone at an

inconclusive half-hour meeting with visiting US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

in Tokyo on July 18.

Mr Ishiba said, in opening remarks, that he hoped their countries can “continue vigorous discussions to reach an agreement th...