It is almost certain that Japan will join the talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade scheme as the 11 countries now involved in the talks have reached a broad agreement to accept Japan's participation.
Because it will take the U.S. Congress at least 90 days to approve the decision, Japan cannot begin taking part in the talks until late July. The earliest possible date is July 24.
The public should know that Japan will be negotiating from a very weak position. Because it is a latecomer to the talks, Japan must accept the terms already agreed upon by the 11 other participants. Japan also cannot view detailed reports on how previous TPP talks proceeded. Thus it will join the TPP talks without the government being able to fully explain the merits and demerits of becoming a TPP member.