Takaichi Weighs Japan’s $550 Billion U.S. Pact | JQJO

After eight trips to Washington, Ryosei Akazawa secured a deal that swapped lower‑than‑threatened U.S. tariffs for a $550 billion Japanese fund to finance American projects chosen at President Trump’s direction, with profits largely flowing to the United States. Three months on, both governments are still sorting how to invest the money, while Tokyo worries about being pushed into ill‑suited projects under threat of higher tariffs. As new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to meet Mr. Trump, she has kept the pact intact but questioned its “unequal” aspects and retained Mr. Akazawa as economy minister.