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m Japanese competition in the form of sanctions against Japanese firms - namely photo film maker Fuji. Kodak is accusing Fuji and its distributors of locking Kodak out of the lucrative consumer photo market in Japan. Fuji denies Kodak's claims - suggesting that Japan's photo products market is open and highly competitive. Kodak's move follows the lead of American auto makers last week calling for sanctions against Japan over unfair trade practices. The looming trade war between Japan and the United States took another turn Wednesday - this time over photo film. Kodak officials say they have proof that their prime competitor - Fuji - is conspiring to keep Kodak film off the market in Japan. At stake, Kodak says, is a fair share of the multi-billion dollar consumer photo market in Japan - second only to the U-S market. SOUNDBITE: What we face is in fact a highly controlled distribution system that denies Kodak full access to Japan's consumer film and paper market. SUPER CAPTION: George Fisher, Chairman-Kodak Kodak says they are asking the U-S government to investigate their claims against Japan. Their petition could lead to sanctions against Japanese film products sold in the U-S. SOUNDBITE: " While Fuji competes with Kodak on a global basis, it makes virtually all of its profits in Japan, its protective market. Using those proceeds to finance low-price sales outside of Japan. SUPER CAPTION: George Fisher, Chairman-Kodak By controlling distribution - Kodak officials say Fuji controls what Japanese consumers buy. SOUNDBITE: (English) We are present in roughly 15 per cent of retail locations in Japan. You have a situation where small retailers have no choice but to carry Fuji products at retail and that excludes us from the distribution system, therefore our ability to present our product to the consumer is substantially restricted. SUPER CAPTION: Barry Brenner, Photo Products Manager-Kodak Trade analysts say signs of an emerging trade war underscore Japan's effort to send the U-S a tough message on trade. SOUNDBITE: (English) Japan on the other hand is trying to isolate the United States. Not on the grounds that we make things good or bad but on the grounds that the United States in 1995 no longer has the right unilaterally to single out any trading partner and to put itself up on high and to say we know what's fair, we know what's unfair fair, and you're not fair and you're being sanctioned. In effect, both the United States and Japan are drawing lines in the sand. SUPER CAPTION: John Yochelson, Trade analyst, Center for Strategic and International Studies Kodak says they will battle Fuji with new products aimed specifically at the Japanese consumer. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives ​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/52c997a68540b8402227b68feeb22459