Japan to join Pacific free trade talks: govt

TOKYO: Japan said Friday it would join talks for a Pacific free trade deal as it looks to boost its fragile economy, in a move that risks dividing the ruling party amid opposition from the farm industry.

Japan's government made the decision to participate in the talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), financial services minister Shozaburo Jimi told reporters on Friday.

The decision comes just before leaders of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies gather for a summit meeting in Hawaii. (AFP)