A: Hey there! Did you catch the news about Ishiba-san?
B: No, what's up?

A: Well, he's talking about this deal with the US about tariffs. It affects around 4,318 items that Japan exports to them.
B: Oh, and he wants to make sure it doesn't worry small businesses and sole proprietors.

A: Yep! He said it's important for Japan's future, not just his personal interests. He wants to take responsibility for making sure it helps us survive and thrive.
B: I see. And what about those guys in the main ruling party who don't like his plan?

A: He said he has to put the country first, even if it means containing his own thoughts. He wants to focus on the national interests, not just himself.
B: That sounds tough, but important. What about those measures against the rising cost of living?

A: Well, there were some disagreements during the election campaign about whether to give out cash or cut taxes, and what to do with social security.
B: I see. And about cutting the consumption tax, he wants them to show how it won't hurt social security or state finances.

A: He also said he wants to talk with the opposition parties about it, to see if we can find common ground and make progress together.
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Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has expressed his intention to implement the agreement reached in tariff talks with the United States without fail.



Ishiba made the remark in an exclusive interview with NHK.



He said Japan exports 4,318 items to the US and that he needs to make sure small and mid-sized businesses as well as sole proprietors have no concerns.



Ishiba said he needs to take responsibility for implementing the deal over US tariff measures.



He also referred to opposition by some members of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party against his intention to stay in the post.
Ishiba said what is the most important is Japan's national interests. He said that if he only thinks about himself, he could make various judgments, but that as the top administrative leader he has to contain his thoughts.



Ishiba said ensuring the tariff deal contributes to Japan's survival and prosperity will be the way in which he takes responsibility. He said it's different from wanting to cling to the post and wanting to continue at all costs.



He said he will devote himself for the sake of the Japanese people and the future of the country without letting any personal interests get in the way.



Ishiba also referred to the government's measures against the rising cost of living. He said that during the recent Upper House election campaign, debates about cash handouts versus tax cuts and what to do with social security were not aligned.



Referring to calls by opposition parties to cut the consumption tax, Ishiba said he wants them to present their views on how social security and state finances will not be adversely affected if the tax is cut.



He indicated he wants to hold discussions with opposition parties, citing the need to see how debates based on common understanding and figures bear fruit.
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Quiz 1:
Who made a remark about implementing an agreement reached in tariff talks with the United States?
A. The United States Prime Minister
B. Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru
C. NHK Interviewer
D. Opposition Party Member

Quiz 2:
According to Ishiba, how many items does Japan export to the US?
A. 4,318 items
B. More than 4,318 items
C. Less than 4,318 items
D. The exact number is not specified

Quiz 3:
Ishiba said that as the top administrative leader, he has to:
A. Contain his thoughts for the sake of national interests
B. Express his personal opinions freely
C. Neglect the future of the country for his own interests
D. Ignore the concerns of small and mid-sized businesses