TOKYO, March 7 — Japan has sought assurances from the US that Tokyo will not be put at a disadvantage under Washington’s latest tariff measures, urging that a potential 15 per cent tariff not be applied to Japanese goods, its trade minister said yesterday.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa said he made the request during a two-hour meeting in Washington with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Akazawa briefed reporters after the meeting.