Japanese trade negotiators are bracing for difficult talks with U.S. officials after Donald Trump revived a baffling claim about a Japanese car safety test — one that, in reality, does not exist. According to a report by the Financial Times, Tokyo’s team is gearing up for trade discussions focused on Trump’s allegations about a so-called “bowling ball” test, in which cars are supposedly disqualified if their hoods dent when hit by a dropped bowling ball.
Trump first mentioned the bizarre test in 2018 and repeated the claim on Sunday via his Truth Social platform, calling it an example of “protective technical standards” that he argues unfairly harm American carmakers. However, Japanese officials — and automotive experts — say no such test exists in Japan. Instead, Japan, like Europe, follows a UN-formulated safety regime that includes a standardized pedestrian impact test, where a rounded object strikes the hood at around 35kph. In that test, a dented hood actually indicates better shock absorption and improved pedestrian safety.
The Financial Times notes that Japan’s chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, will resume talks in Washington next week. High stakes are involved, as Trump has threatened to impose “reciprocal tariffs” of up to 24% on Japanese cars and metals — a serious risk for Japan’s export-driven economy.
While Trump and previous U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama, have criticized the imbalance in auto trade — pointing to the overwhelming dominance of Japanese cars in America compared to the limited presence of American vehicles in Japan — many auto industry insiders argue the issue has little to do with unfair testing standards. Cultural preferences, vehicle size, fuel consumption, and design are cited as much bigger barriers for U.S. brands trying to compete in Japan.
Pontus Häggström, former head of Fiat Chrysler in Japan, told Financial Times that while some regulatory quirks exist, they are not the reason for poor U.S. car sales in Japan. “Are they non-tariff barriers? Yes. But is this why U.S. cars aren’t selling? Completely not,” he said.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has warned that any compromises must not jeopardize public safety. “Be it cars or agricultural products, we will not do anything that will affect safety,” Ishiba assured lawmakers this week. However, negotiators may consider offering ground in areas like electric vehicle (EV) charging standards, where U.S. companies have faced hurdles.
As Trump’s trade threats loom and the future of Japan-U.S. trade relations remains uncertain, Japan is left navigating an awkward political and economic balancing act — one complicated by a trade dispute over a safety test that was never even real.
