Japan's Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei is leaving for the US for the first round of negotiations on tariff measures introduced by President Donald Trump's administration.



Akazawa is leaving Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Wednesday morning. After arriving in Washington, he will begin talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.



Akazawa said on Tuesday that profits of Japanese companies are dropping every day, and that the government will work hard to achieve good results as soon as possible.



He plans to explain to the US officials how Japan contributes to the US economy and employment through a substantial number of investments, and will urge them to review the tariff measures.



Some members of the Japanese government and ruling parties have expressed their concern that the US might try to pry open Japan's markets.



They say the US side may demand an increase in the number of US-made vehicles that Japan imports and opening their markets to more agricultural products, as Trump gives importance to such fields.



Akazawa hopes to listen to the US requirements carefully, remain open-minded in discussions, and to determine which areas of negotiations will not harm Japan's interests.