The new U.S. ambassador to Japan arrived in Tokyo on Friday and said he believes the U.S. and Japan can reach an agreement in their ongoing tariff talks.
George Glass, a well-known business figure with experience in finance, investment banking, and technology, arrived while the U.S. and Japan are in the middle of discussions over President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, which have raised concerns worldwide about their effects on trade and the economy.
“I’m extremely optimistic … that a deal will be get done,” Glass told reporters after arriving at Tokyo’s Haneda international airport.
His visit comes just a day after the first round of tariff talks between the two countries’ top officials was held in Washington. Both sides agreed to aim for a quick resolution and plan to meet again later this month.
Trump, along with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, joined the meeting with Japan’s delegation, which was led by Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa at the White House.
As Trump works to build a reputation for making deals, he seems eager to finalize several trade agreements while many nations look for ways to reduce the impact of U.S. tariffs.
Trump recently announced a 90-day pause that temporarily excluded Japan from 24% general tariffs. However, a 10% base tariff and a 25% tax on imports of cars, car parts, steel, and aluminum are still in place.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has warned that these tariffs would harm Japan’s economy and reduce Japanese investment in the U.S. He said both sides should aim for an agreement that benefits each other.
George Glass and Victor Osumi at Haneda AirportTrump is also asking Japan to raise its defense spending and take on more responsibility for hosting the roughly 50,000 U.S. troops in the country, as the allies work to deepen their military cooperation. This topic came up during the tariff discussions.
“We sit with Japan in a very tough neighborhood. You have Russia, you have China, and you have North Korea,” Glass said Friday. He added that both countries need to make sure their armed forces have everything they need “to push back against a country like China.”
During his Senate nomination hearing in March, Glass said he planned to have “tough conversations” about tariffs and reducing the U.S. trade deficit with Japan. He also said he would ensure that Japan keeps expanding its defense responsibilities in the region.
Japan, a long-time ally of the U.S., is among the first countries to enter tariff talks with Washington. Other U.S. allies are closely observing these negotiations.
Glass expressed confidence that an agreement can be made, saying that “the best and the brightest” from both sides are involved, and that Trump considers the issue one of his top priorities.
He added that America’s $40 trillion national debt is unsustainable and said the economy is at risk if nothing changes.
Glass, who will officially begin his duties on Monday, did not explain how he would help Japan and the U.S. work through their disagreements. After a long flight, he simply said, “what I’d like to do first is to go home and take a nap.”