A public hearing began Tuesday on Japan's proposed participation in negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade pact, with representatives of various U.S. industries pressing their points over the matter.
Business lobbies such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan backed a TPP including Japan, while automobile-related organizations expressed opposition for fear of increases in imported vehicles from Japan.
The event was a step before President Barack Obama's administration gives the final green light, possibly on July 23, to Japan joining the United States and 10 other countries in the ongoing talks on the trade pact, through policy coordination with Congress.