<h1>Japan's September trade rises on stronger Asian demand despite sharp US export drop after 15% tariff</h1> Japan reported a year-on-year rise in September exports and imports, driven by stronger trade with Asia that offset a sustained decline in shipments to the United States following a U.S. presidential tariff program imposing a 15% tax on Japanese goods. Exports to the U.S. and auto shipments fell sharply, while imports from China and Asia rose. A recently appointed Japanese prime minister advocates fiscal stimulus, higher wages and looser monetary policy to weaken the yen and benefit exporters, but her coalition lacks parliamentary majorities, which may impede implementation of policies and any fulfillment of prior bilateral investment and market-opening commitments.