Akazawa in Washington for trade talks after weekend's election
Tokyo wants to strike a deal before US President Donald Trump's August 1 deadline for 25 percent tariffs.
Shortly after landing, Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei told reporters, "These are negotiations involving our national interests, so whether we won or lost an election is fundamentally irrelevant."
He added, "We will continue vigorous discussions to find a mutually agreeable solution between Japan and the United States, while firmly protecting our interests."
It is Akazawa's eighth trip to the US capital to negotiate tariffs. He would like to hold talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
But Bessent said in a CNBC interview on Monday that he does not intend to rush the negotiations.
He noted that the US is more concerned with getting "high quality deals" than meeting the deadline.
He also said that regardless of the election's outcome, Washington is prioritizing "getting the best deal for the American people."
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