Latest news with #AkazawaRyosei
NHK
18 hours ago
- Business
- NHK
Japan, US eye more top-level tariff talks before G7 summit
Top officials from Japan and the United States have wrapped up another round of tariff talks in Washington. They agreed to work toward reaching a deal, possibly on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in mid-June. Japan's chief negotiator, Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei, spoke for about two hours on Friday with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Akazawa repeated his firm call for a review of Washington's tariffs on Japan. He also pointed to progress in the talks, saying the two sides are now sufficiently aware of their respective stances following his fourth visit to the United States. The negotiators agreed to accelerate their work and meet again before the G7 convenes in Canada. They aim to prepare a deal for Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and US President Donald Trump to sign, possibly on the sidelines of the summit.
NHK
3 days ago
- Business
- NHK
Japan's negotiator to head to US for another round of tariff talks
Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei is set to leave for Washington on Thursday for another round of tariff negotiations with the United States. Akazawa is scheduled to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday, local time. On Wednesday, Akazawa met with Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa, who coheads the government's tariff task force with him, to confirm how to proceed with the negotiations. Akazawa told reporters that they discussed the final details and that he will negotiate firmly with the US side according to what was discussed. Japan views that in order to make progress in the tariff talks, it is essential to win over Bessent, as President Donald Trump is said to have great confidence in him. Bessent did not attend the previous negotiations last week. The Japanese government is making final arrangements for a new proposal. Based on Trump's previous remarks, it reportedly includes plans for expanding investment in the US and cooperation in shipbuilding. Japan is also expected to propose measures to make it easier to import US vehicles as Trump has been calling for a reduction of the trade deficit between the countries.
NHK
5 days ago
- Business
- NHK
Japan aims to hold another round of tariff talks with US this week
Japan is trying to arrange another round of high-level negotiations with the US on Friday to seek a review of tariffs rolled out by President Donald Trump. If realized, it would be the second week in a row that Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei sits down for talks in Washington as Japan's chief negotiator. Akazawa says that in the next session he wants an in-depth dialogue with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who did not attend the negotiations last week. Japan has so far explained that it can help create jobs and bring other benefits to the American economy through expanded investments. It has also proposed reviewing regulations to make it easier to import US vehicles, and offered to cooperate in shipbuilding. Government sources say Washington has reacted positively to a shipbuilding partnership, but remains cautious about reviewing its tariff measures, including the auto levy that Japan is staunchly against. The sources also say Japan is considering more proposals to reverse the US stance. It hopes to win over Bessent and other high-ranking US officials, who will report back to President Trump. The Japanese government, meanwhile, plans to confirm support for domestic industries in a meeting of all Cabinet ministers on Tuesday.
NHK
6 days ago
- Business
- NHK
Japan eyes further tariff talks with US to reach agreement at G7
Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has indicated that he plans to proceed with tariff negotiations with the United States, aiming to reach some kind of agreement with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of next month's G7 summit. Ishiba met with Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei, chief negotiator in the tariff talks, on Sunday. Akazawa had just returned to Japan after meeting senior officials in Washington, including US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The prime minister was briefed on what was discussed in the latest round of the bilateral negotiations. Earlier, Ishiba said that the Japanese delegation would continue discussions with its US counterpart with the upcoming G7 summit in mind. The meeting of G7 leaders is scheduled for mid-June in Canada. Ishiba also said that his government is considering promoting cooperation on the repair of US military vessels in Japan and on icebreakers used for navigation in the Arctic and other purposes. In the bilateral trade negotiations, Japan has proposed drawing up a plan to advance cooperation in the ship-building sector. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was absent from the latest round of talks. Akazawa said that the two countries had already agreed to have intensive discussions in mid-May or later. He added that he hopes they can hold talks at a time that is convenient for both sides. The government expects talks involving Akazawa and Bessent to take place as early as later this week.
NHK
6 days ago
- Business
- NHK
Japan PM Ishiba seeks US tariff agreement with G7 summit in mind
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has indicated he will proceed with talks with the United States over tariff measures while seeking an agreement between leaders on the sidelines of next month's G7 summit. Ishiba exchanged opinions with senior shipbuilding officials in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, on Sunday. Ishiba said, "I would appreciate it very much if we can discuss what is possible through Japan-US cooperation and what advantages can come from this." High-level negotiations between Japan and the US took place on Friday. Japan has already proposed using domestic shipbuilding expertise to repair US military vessels in Japan. Ishiba said: "The US is interested to see if US military vessels can be repaired in Japan. If possible, we are willing to offer support in this area." He also said his government will consider promoting cooperation regarding ice-breaking ships that travel in the Arctic Circle. Opposition party leaders gave their views on the issue. Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan President Noda Yoshihiko said, "The G7 is very important as it includes Canada and other countries that export automobiles to the US." Democratic Party for the People President Tamaki Yuichiro said he wants the government to hold the negotiations in a strategic manner to bring benefits to both countries. Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei returned to Japan on Sunday afternoon after the latest round of high-level negotiations with the US. Akazawa said both sides discussed various issues, such as trade expansion, non-tariff measures and economic security cooperation. He expressed hope to hold another round of talks as soon as possible with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was absent from the latest round. Akazawa says Japan and the US had already reached a consensus to hold intensive consultations in May or later. He says he wants to hold more talks with the US at a time convenient for both sides.
