- Trump unexpectedly joined Japan-U.S. trade talks to push for broader negotiations, including military spending and trade fairness.
- Japan faces pressure from paused but looming tariffs, while resisting major concessions or countermeasures for now.
- Officials may also discuss Japan investing in a U.S. gas project, as Trump ramps up global trade deal activity.
So, this one took a sharp turn—President Trump’s now planning to attend what was supposed to be a fairly standard trade discussion between U.S. and Japanese officials on Wednesday. The meeting, initially teed up between Japan’s Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, was meant to focus on trade and investment. Now, not so much.
Trump Wants More Than Just Trade
In a post on Truth Social (because, of course), Trump said he’ll be joining the talks himself to discuss not only tariffs and trade but also how much Japan pays to host U.S. military forces. That’s a major pivot—and one that signals just how involved he wants to be.
“Japan is coming in today to negotiate Tariffs, the cost of military support, and ‘TRADE FAIRNESS’,” he wrote. Then added, in full Trump fashion, “Hopefully something can be worked out which is good (GREAT!) for Japan and the USA!”
Japan Caught in a Pressure Cooker
Bessent has his own list, including Japan’s currency policies and exchange rates. It’s part of a broader wave of Trump’s trade crackdown, which began earlier this month with new duties slapped on dozens of countries. Japan’s exports to the U.S. are currently facing paused tariffs at 24%, but the 10% base rate and 25% duty on cars still sting.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, though, is playing it cool. He said Japan isn’t rushing into any deal and doesn’t plan on giving up too much. So far, no countermeasures are on the table either. But analysts say Japan’s walking into the talks at a disadvantage.
“The U.S. is offering to not hit Japan with sticks, and Japan is stuck in a position of offering a whole lot of carrots,” said Kurt Tong, managing partner at The Asia Group. “From their perspective, it feels like economic coercion.”
Trade Week at the White House
This is just one of several high-stakes talks happening in D.C. Bessent met Vietnam’s deputy PM last week and plans to see South Korea’s finance chief next week. Meanwhile, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni is flying in Thursday to talk EU tariffs.
One more thing: a massive gas investment project in Alaska might come up during the Japan talks, so this could get a lot more complex than expected.
Right now, it’s clear Trump isn’t just going for quick wins—he wants big moves, fast. Whether that means friendlier deals or just more tension remains to be seen.
