Japan's economy and trade minister Muto Yoji has exchanged views with the top management of automakers and others regarding concerns about the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariff policies.



Also on Tuesday, Japanese government appointed Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei as minister in charge of negotiating tariffs with the US government.



Among the attendees at the meeting with Muto were Isuzu Motors Chairman Katayama Masanori, who is also serving as Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, and Toyota Motor President Sato Koji.



Muto said that the government has come up with measures, such as setting up special consultation counters and providing financial support, as there are fears that the US tariffs will have a significant impact on the automotive supply chain.



He asked the corporate executives for their cooperation to try to prevent the impact of the tariffs spreading to their small and medium-sized business partners, so that the momentum for wage hikes will not be hampered.



Katayama noted that the automotive industrial base that has been built up together with suppliers is in danger of being fundamentally shattered.



He asked the minister to negotiate tenaciously with the US side to exclude Japan from the tariffs, provide support for the supply chain and take various measures to protect the industry's foundation.



The Chairman of the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association, Kayamoto Takashi, stated some say the latest tariff measures are a matter of life and death for small and mid-sized companies. He also urged for strong negotiations with the US.



After his appointment as minister in charge of negotiating US tariffs, Akazawa told reporters that Japan has to overcome at all costs the status quo that can only be described as a national crisis.



He pledged to do his utmost, saying that he will consider what will serve Japan's national interests and what is most effective among all possible options.



Akazawa expressed his hope that he would visit the US as soon as possible to start face-to-face discussions with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.



He said an agreement cannot be reached without pursuing a win-win approach for both sides. He also added that as the US has its national interests and Japan has its own interests as well, it will all depend on how to bring about an outcome that is beneficial to both countries.



Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi said that his ministry will also support the negotiations and he will continue to appeal to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.



He said the foreign ministry will do all it can to get the US to withdraw its tariffs.