Japan's Ishiba hails 1st round of tariff talks with US

Japanese economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa met with Trump, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at the White House on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after the meetings, Ishiba said, "I highly rate (the first round) as I understand that there were discussions that will lead to the next (round)."

"I hope to visit the United States at the most appropriate time and hold a face-to-face meeting with President Trump while monitoring the progress of the minister-level talks," he added.

While admitting that there are differences in the Japanese and U.S. positions over the tariffs, Ishiba said, "Future negotiations won't be easy, but the president has said he will make talks with Japan his top priority."

Itsunori Onodera, policy leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, described the first round as "very successful."

"We'll provide our firm support to the government so that Japan's national interests are protected," said Tetsuo Saito, who heads Komeito, the LDP's coalition partner.

Meanwhile, Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, in a street speech mentioned Akazawa's meeting with Trump before the ministerial session.

"The prime minister needs to negotiate directly," Noda said, calling for a Japan-U.S. summit to be held as soon as possible.

Noda told reporters that in the United States, the leader tends to make the drastic decisions.

"Japan needs to be prepared to do the same," he added.