On a TV show on 18 January, the Minster of Agriculture Yoshimasa Hayashi said he believes that Japan's participation will be crucial for the success of the TPP. He believes that, as good and trusted partner, the U.S. will grant necessary exceptions from tariff reductions, notably for rice. According to Hayashi, Japan will be in a position to take a lead in the discussions after this summers election to the House of Councilors, scheduled for July.