Japan's bureaucrats struggle to come up with an answer to Trump's tariffs

Trade ministry sees few options to defend critical auto industry

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Yoji Muto, Japan's minister of economy, trade and industry, and Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy met in Japan in March. (Photos by Ryohei Yasoshima and Reuters) 

KOSUKE TAKEUCHI

TOKYO -- As U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on trading partners with his sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs, Japanese bureaucrats are weighing a proposed Alaskan gas project as a way to shore up bilateral ties amid a passive response by the top leadership.

Unlike many other countries, Japan has not announced its own tariffs against American imports in retaliation for new duties that the U.S. will impose.

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