George Glass, the new U.S. Ambassador to Japan said he is "extremely optimistic" Tokyo and Washington can reach a deal over tariffs between the two countries, while presenting a unified front against China and Russia.

With the 24 percent additional tariffs on Japan suspended for 90 ninety days for negotiations, the U.S. and Japan should approach this moment as a chance to forge a new economic compact.

President Donald Trump said negotiators made “big progress” in trade talks with Japanese representatives seeking exemptions from the levies slapped on US trading partners.