Japan’s top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reaffirmed on Friday that the US–Japan trade agreement will serve to further strengthen the two nations’ strategic and economic ties, Tokyo said in a statement.
The two officials held a 60-minute call beginning at 8 a.m. Tokyo time (2300 GMT Thursday), according to Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat, discussing implementation progress and shared economic priorities under the bilateral pact. The call underscored both governments’ commitment to keeping trade channels open amid a shifting global environment.
Akazawa, who has been central to Japan’s trade negotiations, is expected to leave his cabinet post later this month as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba prepares to step down, Japanese media reported. His departure could mark a transition point in Tokyo’s trade diplomacy as the government repositions under new leadership.
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The reaffirmation underscores policy continuity in US–Japan trade relations despite Japan’s pending leadership reshuffle. Markets will watch for any shifts in trade strategy under new leadership once Prime Minister Ishiba’s successor is in place.
