Japan is an interesting geopolitical example. They have very limited natural resources, therefore almost all of the resources must be imported. From their raw ore required to make steel to their leather for the finishes in their automobiles, most everything they make first comes from someplace else. This is also true of plastic injection molding in Japan and manufacturing sectors, therefore, trade agreements affect the industry tremendously.

As a result, it is critical for Japan to have strong ties to countries who do have those resources. For decades, Japan has been a strategic trading partner with the United States. However, while this partnership was mutually productive, it had never really been made official. The decades were simply marked with tremendous monetary exchange, and exchange of products.

Since the end of WW2, Japan has been very closely tied to the US. We have seen periods of time where their desire for more atomony has ebbed and flowed. But even during the times where they have wanted the most atomony, they have still maintained close ties to the US.

But during the Trump administration, there were a number of treaties that were signed with a number of different global trade partners, and this includes a trade agreement that was signed with Japan in 2019.

While there were a lot of treaties that were signed under the Trump administration, there is something unique about the agreement with Japan. Most countries that signed agreements with the Trump administration, immediately subverted them, or tried to renegotiate those treaties once Trump was no longer in office.

However, Japan has remained steadfast to that agreement ever since it was signed. This tells us a lot about the integrity of the people of Japan. But it also tells us that despite all the craziness going on in the world, Japan sees a solid advantage to sticking close to the United States in the future.