Political scandal mars EU’s trade talks with Japan

CONCERNS that Japan could be left behind by its competitor, South Korea, are believed to have pushed Tokyo to form a joint task force with the EU to discuss an economic partnership agreement.

But negotiations have not been helped by the surprise resignation of Japan’s new farm minister, Takehiko Endo, only a week after his appointment. Installed during a recent reshuffle, he supported a free trade deal with the EU. “I want to carefully watch the possible impact on farm products and show the ministry’s stance clearly,” he said.

There may be opposition from Japanese farmers, because they could expect to face strong competition from EU products, especially dairy goods and meat.

Minister Endo resigned following revelations that a mutual-aid farm association which he heads in his hometown illegally received state subsidies.

His resignation has further eroded faltering confidence in Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe.

Endo‘s predecessor, Norihiko Akagi, was forced to resign in July, having battled various allegations of political finance impropriety. His predecessor, Toshikatsu Matsuoka, committed suicide in May after being criticised over another funding scandal.