Key Facts
• October 26, 2025: U.S. Commerce Secretary Latnik visits Japan for bilateral talks.
• Latnik and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Akasawa Ryosei, toured Asakusa in Tokyo.
• They visited Sensoji Temple, performed incense rituals, and toured Denboin Garden.
• Latnik praised the garden’s beauty, learning it was once exclusive to shoguns.
• The two held a working lunch at Tokyo Skytree, despite poor weather obscuring views.
• Both officials are key negotiators in U.S.-Japan tariff discussions.
• September 2025 agreement: U.S. lowers tariffs; Japan commits to $550 billion U.S. investments.
• Upcoming October 28 summit to review progress on the trade agreement.
• Akasawa and Latnik reportedly discussed preparations for President Trump’s Japan visit.
• They have developed a close rapport, nicknaming each other “Lat-chan” and “Aka-chan.”
Summary
U.S. Commerce Secretary Latnik and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Akasawa Ryosei, strengthened ties during a cultural and diplomatic exchange in Tokyo on October 26, 2025. The two officials, pivotal in U.S.-Japan tariff negotiations, visited Sensoji Temple and Denboin Garden, where Latnik admired the historic beauty. They later held a working lunch at Tokyo Skytree, discussing preparations for President Trump’s upcoming visit and reviewing the September 2025 trade agreement. This deal includes U.S. tariff reductions and Japan’s $550 billion investment commitment. Their camaraderie, evident in their nicknames “Lat-chan” and “Aka-chan,” underscores the collaborative spirit ahead of the October 28 summit.
