Japan picks economy minister Akazawa to head trade talks with U.S.

Prime Minister Ishiba considering visiting again for talks with Trump

The appointment of Ryosei Akazawa as Japan's trade negotiator with the U.S. came after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Donald Trump agreed on Monday to initiate bilateral discussions on tariffs. (Photo by Satoko Kawasaki)

April 8, 2025 11:53 JST

TOKYO (Reuters) -- Japan's Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Ryosei Akazawa has been appointed as trade negotiator with the U.S., the Japanese government's top spokesperson said Tuesday.

Bilateral discussions on exchange-rate moves will continue to be managed by Japan's finance minister and the U.S. treasury secretary, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a news conference.