Japan asks U.S. not to slap higher tariffs in weeks before Takaichi's visit

WASHINGTON - Japan's industry minister Ryosei Akazawa on Friday urged the United States not to impose higher tariffs than those agreed last year, as the two countries advance preparations for a meeting between their leaders later this month.

Following talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington lasting about two hours, Akazawa told reporters they also discussed the next round of joint business projects, as well as cooperation in the strategically important fields of energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.