President Donald Trump announced he will personally attend trade talks with Japanese officials on Wednesday in Washington. This unexpected move highlights his direct involvement in negotiations with Japan following his recent imposition of tariffs on global imports.

Japan sent Economic Revitalisation Minister Ryosei Akazawa to begin discussions, expecting to meet with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Japanese officials had planned to focus solely on trade and investment matters during these talks.

Trump broadened the agenda early Wednesday through a Truth Social post, stating: "Japan is coming in today to negotiate Tariffs, the cost of military support, and 'TRADE FAIRNESS'. I will attend the meeting, along with Treasury & Commerce Secretaries."

Japan currently faces 24% levies on its exports to the United States, though these have been paused for 90 days like most of Trump's recently announced tariffs. A 10% universal rate remains active, as does a 25% duty on cars, which are central to Japan's export economy.

While Treasury Secretary Bessent noted there is a "first mover advantage" for countries engaging in early talks, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated Monday that Japan won't rush to reach a deal and does not plan major concessions. Ishiba has currently ruled out countermeasures to the U.S. tariffs.

Kurt Tong, managing partner at The Asia Group and former State Department official, described the situation: "The U.S. is offering to not hit Japan with sticks, and Japan is stuck in a position of offering a whole lot of carrots. And from their perspective, it feels like economic coercion."

The meeting is part of a broader diplomatic effort, as Bessent recently met with Vietnam's deputy prime minister and has invited South Korea's finance minister for talks next week. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Thursday regarding tariffs on the European Union. Possible Japanese investment in an Alaskan gas project may also be discussed during Wednesday's meeting.

These discussions follow Trump's recent "Liberation Day" tariff announcement, which sent European markets downward with the STOXX 600 falling 0.7 percent and Germany's DAX dropping 1.2 percent. The White House press secretary described the measures as addressing trade imbalances where "too many foreign countries have their markets closed to our exports."