Japan's top tariff negotiator met with Trump at White House, Asahi reports

TOKYO, July 23 (Reuters) - Japan's top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, the Asahi newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Akazawa is visiting Washington to hold further talks with the United States, as Tokyo hopes to clinch a deal by an August 1 deadline that will avert Trump's tariff of 25% on imports from Japan.

Earlier on Tuesday, Akazawa held more than two hours of talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. They engaged in "frank talks to seek an agreement benefiting both countries", according to the Japanese government.

The Asahi reported that Akazawa also held a separate meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Bessent on Tuesday told Fox Business Network that the U.S. was poised to announce "a rash of trade deals" with other countries, suggesting Japan could be among these despite an election setback for Japan's ruling party and difficult negotiations.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we aren't able to iron out something with Japan pretty quickly," Bessent said.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba aims to visit the U.S. this month to meet with Trump if there is progress in the trade negotiations, Yomiuri newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Ishiba, however, is facing mounting opposition within his party over his decision to remain in office despite a bruising election defeat.