Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is considering a visit to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump ahead of the Group of Seven summit from June 15 to 17 as Tokyo seeks a breakthrough on a trade deal to avoid steep tariffs, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday. Citing unnamed officials, the newspaper said signs of progress have emerged following repeated visits by top negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, with the US reportedly showing strong interest in Japan's latest proposals. Akazawa is expected to return to Washington later this week, after which a decision on Ishiba's trip will be made. Japan faces a 24 per cent tariff from next month without a deal, and is also pushing to secure an exemption from the 25 per cent US tariff on auto imports. Some Japanese officials hope to reach an agreement by June 14, Trump's birthday. Akazawa, after talks with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, said both sides had agreed to speed up negotiations and meet again before the G7 summit. However, he added that a deal hinges on US concessions on tariffs, particularly on automobiles. Tokyo has proposed expanded purchases of US military equipment and energy, as well as deeper cooperation on shipbuilding and warship repairs, as part of a broader package under discussion. Attribution: Reuters Subediting: M. S. Salama
