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Japan Finance Minister Vows to Take All Necessary Measures to Deal With U.S. Tariffs

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By Megumi Fujikawa

TOKYO--Japan's finance minister has promised to take all necessary measures to respond to the impact of higher tariffs imposed by President Trump, including funding aid for Japanese companies affected by the U.S. move.

"The finance ministry and the Financial Services Agency will conduct necessary analysis at their task force and cooperate with relevant ministries to ensure that we are fully prepared to respond to the U.S. tariff measures," finance minister Katsunobu Kato said at a news conference on Tuesday.

As Japan seeks an exemption from U.S. tariffs, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a call with President Trump on Monday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he will lead trade negotiations with Japan.

"Japan remains among America's closest allies, and I look forward to our upcoming productive engagement regarding tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers, currency issues, and government subsidies," Bessent said in a post on X.

The Japanese finance minister said that he is still not aware who will be Bessent's counterpart.

Write to Megumi Fujikawa at megumi.fujikawa@wsj.com