Ishiba taps ally Akazawa as trade negotiator

key takeaways

• Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryōsei, one of Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru’s closest allies, will serve as the government’s chief trade negotiator.
• While Akazawa’s close relationship with the prime minister will be an asset, the relatively inexperienced Akazawa could face significant challenges forging a unified negotiating position and managing talks with the Trump administration.