Japan is likely to seek a telephone conversation between Akazawa and Bessent before the latter arrives and an in-person meeting during the U.S. official's stay, the Yomiuri reported. It may also seek a meeting between Ishiba and Bessent as well, the newspaper reported.

US President Donald Trump said he will slightly raise across-the-board tariffs on Japan to 25% starting on Aug. 1, giving Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba an extension that will enable him to try to settle the problem after a national election.

Japan's trade deal with the U.S. must include tariff concessions for its vital automobile industry, top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said on Tuesday, after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods from Japan starting August 1.