According to a report on May 18 by the Japanese Sankei Shimbun, Takamasa Akaza, Minister of State for Economic Revitalization and the lead negotiator from Japan, told the media that he learned of US President Donald Trump's personal involvement in the negotiations during the flight to the United States. At that time, both himself and other Japanese officials were wearing pajamas.
On local time May 16, Takamasa Akaza met with Trump (via Trump's social media account).
As previously reported by Japanese media, Takamasa Akaza had originally planned to negotiate tariffs with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on May 16, but Trump suddenly posted on social media on May 16 that he would also attend the talks, which caught the Japanese delegation off guard.
In an interview, Takamasa Akaza said that on that day, he and other Japanese officials were on a flight to the United States, already dressed in pajamas preparing to rest. Two officials who were also wearing pajamas suddenly saw online that Trump announced his participation in the meeting, and the Japanese delegation was completely unprepared for this situation.
The Yomiuri Shimbun of Japan reported on May 18 that Trump's actions took the Japanese government by surprise, making them wary that the US side might propose harsh demands at the early stages of the negotiation. However, the specific content of the Japan-US negotiations has not been disclosed by the Japanese side.
In response to Trump's "sudden attack," Takamasa Akaza previously told the media, "I am honored to be received by President Trump. My position is much lower than his, yet he personally engaged in dialogue with me, and I sincerely thank him," Akaza said.
The Associated Press recently commented that Trump's personal participation in the negotiations with Japanese officials indicates that the risks facing the United States are high. The impact of tariff policies on the economy has prompted the US government to assure the public that an agreement will be reached quickly.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7495299143326548519/
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