Japan’s top negotiator for upcoming tariff talks will travel to Washington on Wednesday to meet with senior U.S. officials, the government confirmed, as Tokyo seeks to address escalating trade tensions under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Despite being a key strategic and economic partner—and the largest foreign investor in the United States—Japan has not been spared from the wave of tariffs introduced by Trump. The measures include a 25% tariff on Japanese automobiles and a 24% “reciprocal” duty on most other imports from Japan. These duties were temporarily suspended for 90 days last week, along with those affecting several other countries.
Japanese steel and aluminum exports to the U.S. are also subject to a 25% tariff, as part of a broader 10% blanket levy applied under the Trump administration’s trade policy.
Economic Revitalisation Minister Ryosei Akazawa will lead the Japanese delegation, with a cabinet office spokesperson confirming he will depart for the U.S. on April 16 and return on April 18. While the spokesperson did not elaborate on the itinerary, Akazawa is expected to hold talks with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
The visit comes after President Trump signaled a potential softening of his stance on the auto sector, stating that he was “very flexible” and exploring ways to assist carmakers affected by the 25% tariff.
Akazawa, who holds an MBA from a U.S. university, is seen as a close ally of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and a key figure in Japan’s economic diplomacy.
Bessent confirmed Monday that the first round of trade talks with Japan would begin on Wednesday, with discussions with South Korea scheduled for the following week.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s top economic officials, including Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, also announced plans to travel to Washington on Wednesday for parallel talks.
