Japan PM Ishiba mulls Trump trade meeting before G7

TOKYO, June 01 (Reuters): Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is considering visiting Washington to meet President Donald Trump before a mid-month summit of the Group of Seven nations as he seeks a trade deal, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday.

Japanese officials see signs of progress on easing Trump's tariffs after repeated visits by top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, and say the US side has shown strong interest in Japan's proposals, the Yomiuri said, citing Japanese government officials it did not name.