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Art_from_Ark

(27,247 posts)
3. There are other concerns as well
Fri Jun 26, 2015, 12:21 AM
Jun 2015

For example, infringements on Internet freedom; restrictions on food labeling, such as whether or not it contains GMO; being sued by foreign corporations for having "too high" environmental standards that "impede" their ability to operate in Japan; pressure to privatize public utilities, with no chance to make them public again; and eliminating monetary incentives for operating fuel-efficient vehicles, among other things.

Regarding the last concern, Japan has a system for providing consumers with an incentive to buy fuel-efficient cars with an engine displacement of 660cc or less, what are known as "kei-jidousha" or sometimes as "yellow number cars". People with such cars get big breaks on annual car taxes (for example, 7,000 yen for a yellow "number" (license plate) versus 30,000 yen+ for a white number), highway tolls (usually 10% discount), vehicle inspections, insurance, and perhaps other breaks as well. Since few foreign car makers can meet the Japanese standards for "yellow numbers", there are concerns that this system could be scrapped because it would "impede free trade". I was told that South Korea tried to introduce a similar system but apparently had to back down because of KFTA.

I am in Japan Art_from_Ark Jun 2015 #1
Farming and potential medical concerns aspirant Jun 2015 #2
There are other concerns as well Art_from_Ark Jun 2015 #3
Does the Japanese government vote on TPP like us? aspirant Jun 2015 #4
Yes, the Japanese Parliament is supposed to vote on this Art_from_Ark Jun 2015 #5
If Japan votes NO aspirant Jun 2015 #6
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