TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will hold one-on-one debates with opposition leaders from 3 p.m. on April 23 at the parliament, lawmakers said Thursday, amid growing concerns that higher U.S. tariffs could stifle Japan's export-driven economy.

Ishiba is set to engage in active exchanges with Yoshihiko Noda, chief of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and others on how to shield domestic companies and consumers from the potentially devastating impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.

The debate sessions with the prime minister -- typically 45 minutes long and with time shared among several opposition leaders -- have become increasingly rare. The most recent was held on Oct. 9, shortly before Ishiba dissolved the House of Representatives for a snap election.

Ruling and opposition parties, however, have agreed to hold the debates every month during the ordinary parliamentary session through June, giving the prime minister a chance not only to respond to questions but also to ask his own.