and I posted an OP recently about a TPP event I attended last month:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026753877

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.

Have they already voted or are the demonstrations having any effect?

Are the people resigned to the assumed fact it's a done deal?

Last edited Mon Jun 29, 2015, 08:46 AM - Edit history (1)

Here is the conundrum: While the conservative ruling party is officially pushing this, a large part of their support comes from rural areas, which are on the front lines of the TPP opposition. Thus, the parliamentary vote is being delayed. I don't think the average ruling party politician wants to upset constituencies like these:

does the TPP die or goes forward with the rest of the countries?