U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 16th (local time) that he would directly participate in high-level tariff negotiations between the United States and Japan. He also specified that the military support expenses related to the U.S. Forces stationed in Japan would be one of the subjects of this negotiation.
On the same day, Trump noted through his social media account Truth Social that "Japan is coming to America today to negotiate tariffs, military support expenses, and 'trade fairness'," adding that he would attend meetings with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce.
He added, "I hope something good (great!) comes out between Japan and the United States!"
On the same day, the tariffs ministers of both countries will meet in the United States to begin formal negotiations. It is reported that U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bensen and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamison Greer will attend on the U.S. side, while Japan's Minister of Economic Revitalization Ryosei Akazawa will also be present. Trump's attendance at the meeting has not been previously disclosed.
Previously, the United States announced tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum, 25% on automobiles, and reciprocal tariffs without granting any exceptions to Japan. The reciprocal tariff rate imposed on Japan was 24%.
Japan has previously responded by separating trade and defense costs for the U.S. Forces stationed in Japan. However, now that President Trump has directly mentioned military support expenses, it is reported that there is a possibility of discussing a 'package deal' that would bundle tariffs and defense expenses.
Earlier, President Trump claimed that the United States spends hundreds of billions of dollars (several hundred trillion won) to defend Japan, while Japan does not pay anything at all, arguing that the security treaty is unfair.