Japan's tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa engaged in extensive discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick amidst looming tariff increases, as the pause on a 24% reciprocal tariff on imports from Japan is set to expire.

Negotiations have stalled ahead of next week’s deadline, with some suggesting Japan misjudged the depth of President Trump’s frustration over Tokyo’s policies.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Wednesday he was determined to protect his country's national interests as trade negotiations with the U.S. struggled and President Donald Trump threatened even higher tariff rates on the Asian ally.