With a change in Japan’s top leadership under way, top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa warns that U.S. tariffs could persist for decades—despite a recent agreement with Washington.
Akazawa’s future role remains uncertain, but the minister of economic revitalization offered reflections and strategic advice in an interview with The Asahi Shimbun on Oct. 7.
In a candid discussion, Akazawa outlined key turning points in the Japan-U.S. negotiations and urged future leaders to invest strategically to win over U.S. President Donald Trump.
While the United States and Japan have agreed to lower tariffs, the possibility that Trump could impose new tariffs has not disappeared, and Akazawa pointed out that it is “without a doubt” that uncertainty will continue.
He stated that it is difficult to expect the Trump tariffs to be repealed, saying, “We have to be prepared for the United States to impose tariffs for the next several decades.”
In late July, the United States and Japan agreed to lower automobile tariffs and mutual tariffs to 15 percent. In exchange, Japan promised to invest $550 billion (approximately 80 trillion yen) in the United States.
Regarding this major investment, U.S. Cabinet members have repeatedly stated that a liquefied natural gas (LNG) development project in Alaska will be included.
From the standpoint of building supply chains in fields vital for economic security, Akazawa acknowledged, “It is under consideration.”
He added that the Alaskan LNG project, along with other potential projects, will be considered going forward.
Akazawa also pointed out that the United States, having secured a massive new source of revenue from the Trump tariffs, “cannot be expected to abandon the tariffs” even if the administration changes.
He emphasized that it is important for Japan not only to request the elimination of tariffs or lower rates than other countries, but also to strengthen U.S.-Japan cooperation through investments and “aim for a relatively better economy than other countries.”
Akazawa also reflected that there were several “turning points” during the bilaterial negotiations that began in April.
One of these, he said, was when he met Trump during the first negotiation and donned a “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) cap and gave a thumbs-up with both hands.
Akazawa explained that his comment at a later news conference—”I am grateful that (President Trump) would speak with someone as lowly as myself”—was something he “said with the intention of winning him over, keeping in mind that my statement would be translated and conveyed to (Trump).”
Akazawa indicated his belief that, partly as a result of these efforts, a second meeting that led to the agreement was realized, which, in turn, led to the swift issuance of a presidential order to lower U.S. tariffs without Japan having to lower its own.
Akazawa, who is also a close aide to outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, has indicated his intention to hand over the negotiator role to a successor.
As of the evening of Oct. 7, he said there had been no request from the new president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Sanae Takaichi, for him to stay on.
Regarding the new administration that will deal with Trump in the future, Akazawa said, “It is vital to make an effort to win Trump over. Investment in the U.S. must be accelerated with the understanding that it is for the benefit of both Japan and the U.S.”
AloJapan.com