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TOKYO — Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa abruptly canceled a scheduled visit to Washington on Thursday, citing unresolved technical issues related to the implementation of the U.S.-Japan trade agreement.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed the decision, stating that “certain points required further technical discussion” during coordination with U.S. officials. The trip was intended to finalize key components of the bilateral deal, including a written confirmation of Japan’s proposed $550 billion investment package in the United States.
Tokyo is pressing Washington to amend a presidential executive order on reciprocal tariffs, which currently imposes overlapping duties on Japanese goods. Japanese officials are seeking clarity on the reduction of auto tariffs from 27.5% to 15%, as previously agreed in July.
The cancellation signals ongoing friction in the trade negotiations, despite both sides having reached a preliminary agreement. Akazawa may reschedule the visit once administrative-level discussions resolve the outstanding issues.
Japan Parliament House Picture by くろふね
