Akazawa Arrives in U.S. for 2nd Round of Tariff Talks; ‘Win-Win’ Solution Sought by Economic Revitalization Minister

By Kentaro Kuroki and Masaomi Shimosato / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writers

15:13 JST, May 1, 2025

WASHINGTON — Economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a second round of tariff negotiations with officials from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing his desire for a “win-win” solution.

“Unless [the tariff measures] are reviewed, they will continue to seriously damage our economy,” Akazawa told reporters at an airport near Washington after his arrival.

Akazawa is scheduled to hold discussions on Thursday with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the negotiators on the U.S. side.

He intends to request a review of various measures, including automobile and reciprocal tariffs, emphasizing his desire to “move toward a win-win agreement” that will benefit both Japan and the United States.