Japan's Economic Revitalization Minister and chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, has engaged in multiple rounds of high-level discussions with U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, since late June 2025 to address the Trump administration's high tariffs on Japanese goods. Akazawa conducted the seventh round of tariff negotiations during a visit to Washington from June 26 to 29, holding in-depth talks with Lutnick and attempting to meet with Bessent, though the latter meeting did not materialize at that time. Following his return to Japan, Akazawa continued phone negotiations with Lutnick and Bessent in early July, agreeing to vigorously pursue ongoing trade talks. Treasury Secretary Bessent is scheduled to visit Japan for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka on July 19, marking his first visit since assuming office, though no formal tariff negotiations are planned during this trip. Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba has urged Bessent to maintain active discussions on tariffs. Akazawa is also preparing for another visit to the U.S. for further negotiations. As the August 1 deadline for the U.S. to impose a 25% tariff on Japanese automobiles approaches, Japanese Trade Minister Muto has called on the U.S. to swiftly reduce tariffs and is exploring measures to lower tariffs on Japanese cars. The Japanese government continues to emphasize the importance of earnest and vigorous negotiations with the U.S. to seek relief from the tariffs imposed under the Trump administration.