The United States Supreme Court decision invalidating some of the Trump administration’s tariffs will have little impact on Japan’s approach to the US.
Instead, the Japanese government is increasingly vulnerable to US pressure, both because of a fundamental strategic asymmetry – Japan needs the US more than the US needs Japan – and because Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s domestic strength could ironically lead the US to demand more from Japan in the bilateral relationship.
The Takaichi government will continue to prioritize the relationship with the US, but uneasiness with the Trump administration – especially in light of the possibility of a US-China deal that is to Japan’s detriment – could become an issue.
