A: Hey buddy, did you hear about the news?
B: No, what's up?

A: Japan's economic guy, Akazawa Ryosei, had a meeting with the American Treasury and Commerce guys in Washington!
B: Oh yeah? What was that all about?

A: Well, he was talking about those tariffs again. He thinks they're really not cool and asked them to review it. They agreed to work on it more to make an agreement that benefits both countries.
B: Sounds like a tough negotiation! Are they any closer to finding common ground?

A: Yeah, Akazawa said the discussions have made some progress, but they haven't found a compromise yet. They plan to talk more about expanding trade and non-tariff measures too, plus economic security stuff.
B: That sounds like a big meeting! When do you think they'll find an agreement?

A: They want to sort it out at the Group of Seven summit in Canada later this month. So, let's wait and see!
----------------

Japan's chief tariff negotiator Akazawa Ryosei has held another round of talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.



Akazawa, who serves as economic revitalization minister, met separately with Bessent and Lutnick in Washington on Friday.



He strongly demanded a review of US tariff measures, describing them as regrettable, and confirmed the stances of Japan and the US on the tariffs with American officials.



He also exchanged views on expanding trade, as well as non-tariff measures and cooperation in the field of economic security.



The two sides also confirmed that they will vigorously make adjustments to reach an agreement that benefits both nations. They aim to do so on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada later this month.



Akazawa told reporters that he thinks discussions on reaching an agreement have made more progress, but the two sides have yet to find common ground.