<h1>Japanese manufacturers show modest optimism despite US tariff concerns on autos and steel imports</h1> Japanese manufacturers showed slight optimism improvement in a central bank survey, with the index rising to plus 13 from plus 12 in March. However, concerns persist over US tariffs, including 25% on auto imports and 50% on steel and aluminum. Major automakers face additional challenges from tariffs on Mexican plants. The US President criticized insufficient rice purchases and threatened further action. The weak yen, trading around 140 per dollar versus 110 five years ago, increases material costs but benefits exporters. Non-manufacturer sentiment declined slightly to plus 34 from plus 35. Japan's unemployment remained steady at 2.5%.