TOKYO, July 17 (Reuters) - Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa held talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on U.S. tariffs on Thursday, as Tokyo races to avert a 25% levy that will be imposed unless a deal is clinched by an August 1 deadline.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussed the potential for a beneficial agreement on tariffs. Although no specific terms were discussed, both nations committed to continuing constructive dialogue.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday he asked U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to advance ongoing tariff negotiations