A number of American lawmakers have backed the idea of implementing the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement even without the participation of the United States, a veteran Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker has said.

Former Cabinet member Akira Amari, who led the Japanese negotiations on the deal, spoke to reporters following meetings Friday in Washington involving a multiparty delegation of six Diet members and U.S. legislators.

Amari did not specify which American lawmakers backed the idea. The meetings included Rep. Joaquin Castro, co-head of the congressional U.S.-Japan Caucus.