Japan may be sending the United States a serious message. Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa canceled a trip to the United States on Thursday over issues related to the U.S.-Japan trade deal.
In July, the United States and Japan announced a sweeping trade agreement hailed by the Trump administration as a major diplomatic and economic win. Under the deal, the U.S. agreed to reduce tariffs on Japanese imports from 25% to 15%, while Japan committed to investing $550 billion in American infrastructure, technology, and energy sectors over the coming years. The agreement was framed as a strategic partnership intended to counter China’s growing influence and deepen U.S.–Japan economic ties.
However, the deal quickly became mired in controversy. Japanese officials discovered that the U.S. was not replacing the existing tariffs with the new 15% rate, but instead stacking the new tariff on top of previous duties. This approach contradicted what Tokyo believed had been agreed upon, raising alarms in Japan’s government and leading to diplomatic tension. As a result Akazawa abruptly cancelled a scheduled trip to Washington, D.C., demanding technical corrections and clarification of executive orders before proceeding with final implementation.
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The backlash hasn’t only come from Japan. U.S. automakers and industry groups, such as the American Automotive Policy Council, have criticized the deal, arguing it gives an unfair advantage to Japanese car manufacturers while exposing U.S.-made vehicles to less favorable treatment in Japan. Critics have also raised concerns about transparency and the rushed nature of the agreement.
In a statement, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that his trip would have involved the discussion of U.S. tariff measures.
“However, during the coordination with the US, because it became apparent that certain points required further technical discussion, the trip was cancelled, and it was decided that discussions will continue at the administrative level,” Hayashi told reporters.
Japanese media outlet Kyodo News said it has not been decided whether he will reschedule the trip, while Reuters said Akazawa could head to Washington as early next week after the outstanding issues are resolved, citing an anonymous government source.
Akazawa reportedly said in July that the U.S. had promised to amend the executive order on reciprocal tariffs on Japan to include a “no-stacking” arrangement, in which tariffs will not stack on each other beyond 15%. That would be similar to the arrangement made with the European Union.
“We have confirmed with the United States that a sincere and prompt implementation of the Japan-U.S. agreement is vital,” he said on Thursday.
For Japan, the stacking of tariffs beyond the agreed 15% undermines trust and signals a need for greater legal clarity and enforceable terms in future negotiations. The abrupt cancellation of Ryosei Akazawa’s visit sends a strong diplomatic message: Japan will not proceed with major economic commitments without firm, transparent compliance from its partners.
The backlash from US automakers further complicates the deal’s domestic support. If unresolved, this tension could delay vital investments and strain a key Indo-Pacific alliance at a time when U.S.–Japan cooperation is essential to counterbalance China’s regional influence.