Japan negotiator leaves for US tariff talks

Japan’s top negotiator for trade talked with the United States has left for Washington as the US is poised to impose a 25-percent tariff on imports from Japan starting August 1.

Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei made his eighth trip to the US capital for tariff negotiations.

Speaking to reporters before his departure, Akazawa said that negotiations would not be easy as both Japan and the US need to protect their national interests.