key takeaways
- The Takaichi government confirmed the first investments as part of the bilateral investment framework after US President Donald Trump announced them on 17 February.
- The announcement was made despite Japanese negotiator Akazawa Ryōsei’s noting “significant gaps” after ministerial talks last week, suggesting that the US government is setting the pace for rolling out the framework.
- Despite the announcement, it is still unclear how much funding will come directly from Japanese public financial institutions.
- The first projects will generally have little impact on Japan’s pursuit of economic security, suggesting that the main strategic benefit for Japan will be keeping the Trump administration satisfied.
Japan Foresight 