Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda says Japan may not join the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) if the accord hurts Japan's national interest.

Japanese media outlets reported Noda said Tuesday at the House of Councilors that his government will make a decision on whether to join the partnership in line with Japan’s national interest.

Kyodo News said Japan has not yet made a final decision on whether to participate in the pact.

Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Michihiko Kano also said his nation’s decision to begin consultations with TPP members doesn’t mean that his country will necessarily enter negotiations with relevant countries for the pact.

At the latest Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Hawaii, the Japanese prime minister announced the decision to begin consultations with TPP members on holding negotiations for joining the pact.