Japan's Top Trade Negotiator Visits US After Staff-Level Talks Progress

Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa left for ministerial talks in the US, after lower-level discussions on the July trade deal largely wrapped up – an indication that the two sides are making progress on implementing the agreement.

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"Administrative discussions have been finalized, and I am now travelling to the US, as I think we should hold ministerial-level talks now," Mr Akazawa told reporters on Sept 4 at Tokyo's Haneda Airport as he left for Washington.

"Both Japan and the US have agreed to implement the agreement reached in July faithfully and swiftly."

The latest visit comes after Mr Akazawa abruptly cancelled his Washington visit last week, citing the need for staff-level talks.

The sudden move spurred speculation that key differences in stance remain over the trade deal that are delaying implementation.