Internet reports that Japan has signaled that it is ready to reach a better agreement with U.S. President Don Trump on trade tariffs rather than risk a domestic political backlash. Japan is eager to avoid any deterioration in relations with Washington, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba initially made it a priority to enter the U.S. negotiating table before other countries. But officials and analysts said business leaders and members of Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party called for him to reject any deal that jeopardizes the auto industry or threatens domestic farmers, forcing him to rethink. "Although Japan is very eager to be the first country to negotiate tariffs with Washington, that sense of urgency has now shifted and the focus is on ensuring Japan gets a good deal," a Japanese official said. Officials said a deal was unlikely to be reached before Japan's Senate elections. Japan's Senate election, due to be held at the end of July, is expected to be a major test for the extremely unpopular Shigeru Ishiba government. (Jin Shi)