A: Hey there! Did you catch the news? 🗞️
B: Nah, what's up? 🤔

A: Japan's top trade guy is gonna jet off to Washington next week before some new tariffs kick in on August 1. 🛬💼🗺️
B: Ooh, sounds serious! What did our Japanese friend have to say? 🤔

A: Akazawa-san spoke to reporters and said they didn't talk about tariffs yet. They were at a U.S. event in Osaka. But he said they had some deep chats on many topics, building trust! 🗣️🤝
B: So they didn't really discuss the tariff thing? What did they chat about then? 🤔

A: He didn't mention specifics, but Akazawa said they covered a wide range of topics. He also mentioned that he'll continue working hard to find common ground and protect Japan's interests by August 1. If things work out, he might visit again next week for more talks. 🌞💪
B: Wow, let's hope they can sort it out! It'd be a bummer if tariffs start affecting our lives here in Japan. 🤕🌍

A: Agreed, crossing fingers! Keep you posted on the latest! 💬📈
----------------

Japan's top negotiator for trade talks with the United States plans to visit Washington early next week before the US imposes a 25-percent tariff on imports from Japan starting August 1.



Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei spoke to reporters after joining US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for a US National Day event at the World Expo in Osaka on Saturday.



Akazawa said they did not discuss tariffs this time as Bessent is visiting Japan as part of the US delegation to the expo.



But he said they discussed a wide range of topics and built strong trust.



Referring to the August 1 deadline for what US President Donald Trump calls "reciprocal" tariffs, Akazawa said he will energetically continue efforts to find common ground while protecting Japan's interests.



He added that if circumstances allow, he will visit Washington again early next week for talks with his US counterparts.