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.

The US sets reciprocal tariffs of 25% for Japan and South Korea. Both countries vowed to accelerate negotiations within three weeks.