Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Thursday his country needed to wean itself from U.S. dependence in such key areas as security, food and energy, as Tokyo faces the prospect of new U.S. tariffs in three weeks.

Anxiety over U.S. tariffs has been spreading across Japan, a central bank report shows, sending a worrying signal about the corporate outlook as trade uncertainty deepens.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the announcement of slightly higher US tariffs “truly regrettable” while he vowed to continue to protect his nation’s interests in the extended trade negotiations.

Japan is seeking talks between tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent when the U.S. official visits Japan for the World Expo next week, Yomiuri newspaper reported on Thursday citing Japanese government sources.

The U.S. will impose tariffs of 25% on Japan and South Korea beginning on Aug. 1, President Donald Trump announced on Monday in posts on Truth Social.

Trump shared screenshots of letters detailing new tariff rates for over a dozen countries, allowing room for further negotiations before the renewed deadline of Aug. 1.

Japan's trade deal with the U.S. must include tariff concessions for its vital automobile industry, top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said on Tuesday, after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods from Japan starting August 1.