Japan's top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, held two rounds of intensive phone talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard LutnickThursday, then again on SaturdayAhead of the July 9 expiration of a pause on a potential 24% reciprocal tariff on Japanese imports. Trump has hinted the final rate could be even higherDespite ongoing efforts to avoid the tariff hike, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stressed that Japan would not compromise on its national interests, describing the negotiations as "extremely vigorous" and continuing right up to the deadline. Japan says it will remain in active coordination with the U.S. as talks progress. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.