Japan’s top negotiator for trade talks with the United States has left for Washington as the US is poised to impose a 25-percent tariff on imports from Japan starting August 1.
Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei departed from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on Monday morning.
It is his eighth trip to the US capital for tariff negotiations.
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Akazawa said that negotiations would not be easy as both Japan and the US need to protect their national interests.
He said he wants to hold sincere and robust discussions to find common ground between the two sides.
Arrangements are under way for a meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Monday or later, local time.
Akazawa is also seeking meetings with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Japanese government officials say that Washington is now reviewing Tokyo’s proposal to make massive investments and import more American goods to reduce the US trade deficit with Japan.
Akazawa says he wants to confirm how the US side is proceeding with its review.
Akazawa aims to reach an agreement that can benefit both countries as the August 1 deadline for what US President Donald Trump calls “reciprocal” tariffs approaches.