15:23 JST, February 18, 2026

The Japanese and U.S. governments have started final discussions about the content of the first round of projects under a plan for $550 billion (about ¥84 trillion) in investments in the United States that Tokyo has pledged to make.

It is important to select projects that will lead to the mutual development of both countries, while taking thorough steps to ensure the projects’ profitability.

Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa visited the United States last week and agreed with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to accelerate negotiations on the matter. They are keeping in mind their aim of reaching an agreement on the projects before the Japan-U.S. summit scheduled for March 19.

The Japanese side promised during Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations to make massive investments in the United States in exchange for Washington........

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