The main political motives behind government intervention in trade includes protecting jobs, preserving national security, responding to other nations' unfair trade practices, and gaining influence over other nations. Practically every government becomes involved in international trade when jobs in the domestic economy are threatened. Agriculture is also typically protected for national security reasons because a nation importing its food supplies could face starvation in times of war. Governments often threaten to restrict imports coming from a nation that is seen as restricting its own imports. The world's largest nations may become involved in trade to gain influence over smaller nations.
Japan has a certain amount of influence in Asia.
Many countries in Asia rely on Japan for a large amount of their imports and exports. The most common economic reasons given for nations' attempts to influence international trade are protecting young industries from competition and promoting a strategic trade policy. According to the infant industry argument, a country's emerging industries need protection from international competition during their development phase until they become internationally competitive. Protection from international competition can cause domestic companies to become complacent. The new trade theorists believe government intervention can help companies take advantage of economies of scale and be first-movers in their industries.