Negotiating Rice: Japan's Entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Abstract The agricultural sector of Japan, especially its rice sector, is among the most highly protected among industrialised countries. Through a mixture of acreage control and price support policies, as well as high import tariffs, Japan's rice production has remained stagnant in productivity, output and farmers' incomes. In light of this, the decision by Prime Minister Abe Shinzō to join the negotiations around the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), an ambitious zero-tariff agreement including the economies of the U.S., Australia and New Zealand, has caused harsh protests by farmers' associations throughout the country. Drawing on the concept of "two-level games" from International Relations theory, this presentation explores the events that led to Japan's participation in the TPP and the impact a successful agreement may have on rice farming in Japan. Ms. Lisa Joerke University of Warwick International Politics and East Asia & Intern Social Sciences Division Friday, April 11, 2014 1:15-2:15pm SSD Conference Room, Drilon Hall