Japan's top negotiator for tariff talks to visit US early next week
Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei spoke to reporters after joining US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for a US National Day event at the World Expo in Osaka on Saturday.
Akazawa said they did not discuss tariffs this time as Bessent is visiting Japan as part of the US delegation to the expo.
But he said they discussed a wide range of topics and built strong trust.
Referring to the August 1 deadline for what US President Donald Trump calls "reciprocal" tariffs, Akazawa said he will energetically continue efforts to find common ground while protecting Japan's interests.
He added that if circumstances allow, he will visit Washington again early next week for talks with his US counterparts.
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