Japan farmers fear open markets

Rice farmers worry about their livelihood as the government promotes free trade.

Japanese shopkeeper

Japan is urging Asia-Pacific economies to trade more openly as a way to boost the global economy.

But farmers in the country are worried that fierce competition from abroad could cost them their jobs.

Up to now, local farmers have been protected with tariffs on nearly 800 per cent on imported rice.

Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride reports from Tokyo.

Source: Al Jazeera