Promises, Promises

Once again, Japan pledges to break down import barriers

For the second time in four months, Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone appeared on Japanese national television last week to address his country's most pressing issue: a $44 billion trade surplus that is stirring increasing resentment around the globe. Announcing a package of measures designed to lower trade barriers, Nakasone pledged to make Japan the freest market in the world. Said he: "I personally will hold myself responsible that enough will be done to satisfy international complaints that Japan is unfair in the trade area. We have taken very bold steps. We have done our best."

The program calls for tariffs to...

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