Japan Warns U.S.: Don’t Take Us Lightly In a raremove, Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato publicly hinted that Japan could use its $1.13 trillion in U.S. Treasury bonds as leverage in trade talks. “It does exist as a card,” he said—sending shockwaves through financial markets. This marks a shift in tone from Japan, which usually avoids threatening economic retaliation. But with growing pressure from the Trump administration over tariffs and trade demands, Japan appears ready to push back. Behind-the-scenes talks in Washington reportedly saw major disagreements over cars, energy, and agriculture. Kato’s comments suggest Japan won’t accept one-sided deals quietly.$BTC
