Japanese government sources say the team of US President-elect Donald Trump has proposed a meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru in the United States in mid-January before his return to the White House.

Ishiba is expected to decide whether to attend after considering his planned visit to Southeast Asia from early January and the opening of an ordinary session of the Diet.

Last month, Ishiba explored the possibility of meeting Trump on his way back from South America. But it did not materialize as Trump's side said he would not have any official talks with foreign leaders before taking office on January 20.

The Japanese government is arranging with Trump's team to set a date for a meeting.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa told a news conference on Thursday that he hopes they will be able to hold in-depth talks and build a personal relationship at an appropriate timing for both sides.