Since March 2025, the Trump administration has continuously increased tariffs. In April, it launched a 10% base tariff and postponed the second wave of tax increases for 90 days. Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru frankly stated that the two sides "have not found a compromise point", and Akazawa emphasized that "full revocation is a prerequisite for reaching an agreement". Analysts point out that the US's refusal to grant special treatment highlights its "America First" strategy. The intensive negotiations in mid-May are likely to struggle to break the deadlock. Japan may be forced to weigh between industrial damage and strategic concessions.