More Japanese local leaders against TPP than in favor: survey

A recent survey showed that about 36.9 percent of local government leaders in Japan are against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, while only 23.0 percent are in favor, local media reported.

The survey was conducted by Kyodo News with questionnaires sent to heads of Japan's 47 prefectures and 1,741 municipalities (cities, wards, towns and villages). 1,732, or 96.9 percent of the local leaders replied.

The results showed that 36.9 percent of the local leaders are against the TPP, 23.0 percent are in favor, while 39.5 percent said they could not decide.

The main objection is that farmers might not be able to survive under the TPP and grain self-sufficient rate of Japan might decline. Other objection reasons include lack of impact evaluation before signing the agreement, possible adverse effects on local economy etc..

Regionally, leaders of Hokkaido, northeastern Japan and Kyushu regions are more inclined to be against the TPP, as forestry and aquaculture are economic mainstay in these regions. 76.6 percent of the local leaders in Hokkaido are against the TPP, the highest proportion among the prefectures.

Japan, United States and 10 other nations concluded negotiations for the TPP in October after over five years of marathon talks. Under the agreement, Japan is to remove tariffs on a variety of farm products, which will pose a serious challenge to the highly-protected Japanese farming sector. Endit