Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick met in Tokyo on October 26 to discuss trade matters. Ahead of President Donald Trump's visit the next day, the two toured Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and held a working lunch at Tokyo Skytree. They exchanged views on the progress of the Japan-U.S. tariff agreement and Japan's investments in the United States.
On Sunday, October 26, Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick arrived at Tokyo's landmark Sensoji Temple shortly after 9 a.m. The two toured the temple grounds in the rain before heading to Tokyo Skytree for a working lunch and a visit to the observation deck.
The meeting came a day before President Donald Trump's first visit to Japan since returning to the White House nine months earlier, setting the stage for a Japan-U.S. summit on Tuesday. Having built a close relationship through prior tariff negotiations, the duo exchanged views on the progress of the Japan-U.S. tariff agreement and Japan's pledged $550 billion investment in the United States during those talks.
Details of the discussions were not disclosed. When questioned by The Japan Times and other reporters, Akazawa and Lutnick declined to comment on whether Trump has decided how to utilize the investment. The reunion highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen U.S.-Japan trade ties.
The visit included a tour of the tourist area around Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate, blending diplomacy with a touch of cultural exchange.