A: Hey buddy! Ever heard about the latest news from Japan?
B: Nah, what's up?

A: So, our Economic Revitalization Minister, Akazawa Ryosei, had a chat with the US Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, not just once, but three times - twice on the phone and once in person in Washington!

B: Whoa, that's a lot of talking! What were they discussing?

A: Well, from what I gather, they talked about tariffs, expanding trade, non-tariff measures, and cooperating on economic security. They both agreed to keep working hard to reach an agreement beneficial for both sides.

B: Sounds like some serious negotiations! And the phone calls were after their in-person meeting, right?

A: Exactly! Akazawa even delayed his trip back to Japan to continue the talks. It seems he's trying to get a good deal!
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Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei has spoken with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over the phone twice in addition to their face-to-face talks in Washington.



The Japanese government said the two officials talked on the phone for about 15 minutes on Saturday morning and about 20 minutes in the evening during Akazawa's stay in the US.



The two sides are said to have confirmed one another's position regarding the US tariff measures, and discussed trade expansion, non-tariff measures and cooperation in economic security.



Akazawa and Lutnick confirmed they will continue to vigorously coordinate to realize a mutually beneficial agreement in their in-person meeting on Friday.



The additional phone talks took place while Akazawa has postponed his trip back to Japan in an apparent bid to strengthen negotiations.