WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- The new U.S. ambassador to Japan, George Glass, expressed optimism Friday about upcoming tariff negotiations between Washington and Tokyo, given the importance of the bilateral relationship.

The envoy's remarks came as the two countries plan to launch full-fledged negotiations as early as next week for a trade deal, after U.S. President Donald Trump paused for 90 days the imposition of his most sweeping round of tariffs.

"We're well prepared to do that, very optimistic," Glass said at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Washington, days before he is due to leave for Tokyo.

Glass said he is aware that as ambassador his responsibilities will range from the safety of U.S. nationals to defense and economic issues.

But Glass, who is expected to arrive in Tokyo next week, added that "the most important part is the friendship" and his biggest mission will be to enhance the already strong bilateral relationship.

"I'm just honored to be the ambassador to Japan, and it's more than anything I've done in my life," said Glass, a businessman from Oregon with a background in investment banking and real estate.

The 64-year-old was confirmed as ambassador to Japan by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. He served as ambassador to Portugal during Trump's first presidential term between 2017 and 2021.

During a Senate hearing in mid-March, Glass, a major Trump donor, pledged to push Japan to increase market access for U.S. imports and raise defense spending.

At the time, Glass said he was ready to have "tough conversations on tariffs and reducing our trade deficit with Japan."

On Wednesday, Trump abruptly introduced the pause, about 13 hours after his so-called reciprocal tariffs, targeting major U.S. trading partners with much higher import tax rates, took effect.

During the suspension, Japan has been given priority in negotiations with top officials of the Trump administration.

Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's economic revitalization minister, is expected to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the point man for the negotiations with the Asian country, on Thursday in Washington, according to officials with knowledge of the plan.