Japan's top negotiator has assured the public that critical tariff negotiations with the U.S. will continue unaffected by Sunday's upper house election results, despite the ruling coalition losing its majority. 🌏
"National interest comes first – the election won't sway our strategy," declared Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, who's prepping for an eighth round of talks in Washington this week. The clock is ticking: Without a deal by August 1, Japanese exports could face steep 25% U.S. tariffs. ⏳
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed to stay in office to steer the high-stakes negotiations, even as his Liberal Democratic Party coalition secured only 47 of 248 upper house seats. Analysts call it a political curveball, but Akazawa insists the team remains laser-focused on reaching a "mutually acceptable" agreement. 🤝
With both sides tight-lipped about the negotiation playbook, all eyes are on Akazawa's upcoming U.S. trip. Will this round break the deadlock? Stay tuned as we track this economic showdown! 💥
