Shigeru Ishiba faces election turmoil just days before Japan’s upper house vote, while high-stakes tariff talks with the U.S. continue. On Friday, Ishiba quoted U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as saying a “good” agreement remains possible. The comments came after their meeting in Tokyo, where the prime minister pushed for faster progress.
Ishiba urged Bessent to intensify discussions with Japan’s chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa. The two spoke for about 30 minutes at the prime minister’s office. Their meeting occurred as time runs out before President Donald Trump’s planned 25 percent tariffs take effect on August 1.
“Secretary Bessent said there will definitely be a good agreement,” Ishiba told reporters. However, they did not discuss the auto tariff directly. That duty, which targets Japan’s car exports, poses a severe threat to the nation’s economy.
Despite the looming deadline, Ishiba said he won’t rush into any deal. He expressed readiness to meet Trump directly if needed. “No specific date is set, but I’m prepared,” he said. Ishiba also reaffirmed that he would defend Japan’s national interests.
Bessent, in Tokyo to lead a U.S. delegation at the Osaka World Expo, echoed optimism online. “A good deal is more important than a rushed deal,” he wrote on X. He also thanked Ishiba and Akazawa for their hospitality. Hours later, Akazawa agreed publicly, posting, “Let’s get it done.”
Ishiba currently faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts. He leads a fragile minority government and a party facing voter backlash. Economic concerns and Trump’s tariffs dominate headlines as the Sunday vote nears.
The United States has already imposed higher duties on steel, aluminum, and auto parts. The 25 percent tariff on U.S.-bound cars remains the most controversial. The auto sector drives much of Japan’s economy, and these tariffs hit hard.
Trump also continues to demand more defense spending from NATO allies. Japan fears similar pressure from Washington. Ishiba assured the U.S. delegation that Japan will boost its defense capabilities independently. He emphasized cooperation on global security in Asia, Ukraine, and the Middle East.
Shigeru Ishiba faces election turmoil at a time of serious economic and diplomatic challenges. As talks continue and voters prepare to cast ballots, Japan’s political and trade future hangs in the balance.
