Japan's trade minister Ryosei Akazawa is heading to Washington again on Thursday to discuss the second round of projects funded by Japan under its $550 billion capital commitment to the United States. Three projects have already been agreed upon, and others could be concluded soon. He is expected to meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and might wrap up several pending projects ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's scheduled White House visit on March 19.
Trade minister Ryosei Akazawa's trip marks his 12th visit to Washington since tariff negotiations began last April, and his second this year, with a return to Tokyo scheduled for Sunday.
The visit focuses on projects under Japan's $550 billion capital commitment to the United States. Three projects have already been agreed upon, and several others could be finalized soon. According to Japanese news reports, Akazawa is expected to meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and potentially conclude pending projects days before Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's White House visit on March 19.
This effort stems from addressing tariffs and trade frictions under the Donald Trump administration, with implications for the Japanese economy and carmakers. The frequent trips underscore the importance of strengthening U.S.-Japan relations.
