Japan must play to Trump's desire for a win: ex-PM Kishida

Former leader also urges engagement with ASEAN, EU to defend global norms

U.S. President Donald Trump is guided by "gains and losses," not "principles," former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said. (Photo by Yutaka Miyaguchi)

HIROYUKI AKIYAMA

April 22, 2025 21:19 JST

TOKYO -- Japan needs to make its case for free trade with the U.S. by appealing to President Donald Trump's sense of what is good for America, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says, as Tokyo becomes a test case for negotiations on sweeping new tariffs.

Kishida, a lawmaker in Japan's lower house, served as foreign minister during Trump's first term before becoming Japan's leader in 2021. He stepped down as prime minister in 2024.