• Back Issues

September 26	Traditional Japanese Crafts Will Be Showcased to Gain Publicity in Paris, France
September 23	ASEAN+3 Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM+3) and East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting (EAS EMM) were Held
September 21	Enhancement of the Consultation Service System for Intellectual Property Related to Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

September 20	First Meeting of the Working Group for Deepening Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration to be Held
September 16	ANRE Estimated the Amount of Shallow Methane Hydrate Resources and Verified the Estimation Results

September 21	Partnership with the World's Premier Educational Institution toward Development of Management Talent for the Service Industries
September 16	Energy Conservation Technology Strategy 2016 Formulated

September 16	The Public-Private Council for the Promotion of Appropriate Ivory Trade Measures Compiled a Report Titled “Current State and Further Efforts Regarding Ivory Trade in Japan”
September 8	The Fifth Japan-Viet Nam Policy Dialogue on Distribution and Logistics Held
September 8	The Second Japan-Myanmar Policy Dialogue on Distribution and Logistics Held

September 15	Basic Policies for Future-oriented Trade Practices Released
September 13	METI Minister Seko Visited Thailand and Viet Nam
September 13	Winners of the Travel Mine Japan Project to be Announced
September 12	Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ihara Attended the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting and Other Meetings

September 6	Storybook Introducing the Attractive Essence of the Kyushu Region Announced

September 6	Recall of Water Dispensers Imported by Water Direct Corporation and Sold by Premium Water Inc. (Replacement of Component)

September 5	METI Minister Seko Visits Russia
September 5	Memorandum concerning the Creation of Platforms for Cooperation in the Field of Mid-ranking Companies and Small and Medium Enterprises Concluded with the Ministry of Economic Development, the Russian Federation

September 5	Winners of the Tenth Kids Design Awards
September 2	Technologies Selected for “Innovative Technologies 2016”: Exploring and Evaluating Japan’s Outstanding Digital Content Technology and Winners of Closest-to-Business Award

September 6	Announcement of Traditional Craft Business Operators, Production Areas and Ten Model Themes Evaluated and Selected under the Craft Meet Project Across Japan

August 31	Fourth Japan-Russia Meeting Concerning SME Cooperation Held

August 29	METI State Minister Matsumura Attended TICAD VI

September 1	The Guidelines for Trading Negawatts Revised

August 22	METI to Establish the Study Group on Long-term Investment (Investment evaluating ESG Factors and Intangible Assets) toward Sustainable Growth

August 25	Winners of the Ninth National Maritime Awards Released

August 24	Recall of Dehumidifiers Imported by IRIS OHYAMA INC. (Product Inspection and Repair)
August 22	METI State Minister Takagi Visited Malaysia and Australia

August 25	Operation of the Omotenashi Standard Certification System to Start
August 19	Study Group for Ideal Approaches to Diversity Management as a Competitive Strategy to be Established（Toward a new paradigm: Diversity 2.0）

August 18	Aggregate Results of the FY2015 Amount of Recycled and Destroyed Fluorocarbons under the Revised Fluorocarbons Recovery and Destruction Law Compiled

August 8	Reference Manual Titled “Manual for Creating De-identified Information” Compiled to Help Businesses Consider Specific Preparations for Creating Such Information

August 18	Winners of the Award for Academic Startups 2016 Program Selected

August 22	China Decided to Lift Anti-Dumping Duties Measures Imposed on High-performance Stainless Steel Seamless Tubes Originating from Japan
August 16	The Fifth Japan-Viet Nam Policy Dialogue on Distribution and Logistics to be Held
August 16	The Second Japan-Myanmar Policy Dialogue on Distribution to be Held
August 10	Dissemination of Support Measures for Wage Increases
July 27	Surveys and Statistics of Electricity to be Revised from April 2016

August 9	OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA) Released a Report on the Peer Review Concerning Japan’s Efforts for Final Disposal of High-level Radioactive Waste
August 9	Study Group on Technical Issues Associated with Geological Disposal in Coastal Areas Compiled a Report
August 8	METI Minister Seko Attended the ASEAN Economic Minister (AEM) - METI consultation and Other Meetings

August 10	METI to Invite Enterprises and Other Entities to Participate in WFES 2017 and IWS 2017

August 9	METI to Hold the Fourth Bike Love Forum (BLF) in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

August 10	Fourteenth Round of Negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
August 5	Winners of the Second Call for Applicants for the FY2016 Demonstration Project for the Introduction of Robots Decided

August 2	Action Plan for Collaborative Industry-Academia-Government Initiatives on Human Resources Development in Science and Technology Compiled
August 1	The IoT Lab Selection and Local IoT Acceleration Labs Were Held and Winners Were Selected and Recognized
July 29	The First Meeting of the Task Force for the Expansion of Inward Investment to be Held

August 1	METI and IoT Acceleration Lab Will Hold Business Matching Events Targeting Companies Inside and Outside Japan at CEATEC JAPAN, a Comprehensive IT and Electronics Exhibition
July 28	US-JP Collaborative Search to be More User-Friendly

July 25	Information on Country-based Consolidated Patent Examination to be Accessible

July 27	Announcement of METI’s Efforts regarding Measures for Securing Smooth and Appropriate Transfer of Consumption Tax as of the End of June 2016
July 26	Results of the Regional Economic and Industrial Research (April-June 2016)

August 1	Forth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting

July 26	Cabinet Decision on the Bill of the Cabinet Order to Partially Revise the Export Trade Control Order
July 26	First Meeting of the Council of Industry-Academia-Government Dialogues for the Promotion of Innovation to be Held

July 19	METI Parliamentary Vice-Minister Hoshino Visited the Republic of Singapore

July 22	Progress Made in Regulatory Reform for Individual Enterprises
July 22	The Guidelines Concerning the Management of the Electricity Retail Business Revised

July 20	Japan-ASEAN IP Cooperation Programs Enhanced

July 15	METI to Call for Applicants for New Diversity Management Selection 100 in FY 2016

July 19	Meeting of the Working Group for the Standardization of Credit Card Data to be Held
July 15	The Council for the Collaboration between the Manufacturing, Distribution and Sales Sectors Held its General Assembly and a Forum
July 14	Interim Report titled “New Trends Brought about by Biotechnology: Beginning the Era of the Smartcell Industry” Compiled

July 11	METI State Minister Suzuki Visited China
July 8	Recall of Elastic Tube Exercise Equipment Imported by Cross Work Co., Ltd. (Product Recall)

July 12	Events titled “IoT Lab Selection” and “IoT Lab Connection” to be Held
July 7	Exchange of information between Lord Price and Vice-Minister Katase

July 13	FY 2015 Results of Crackdowns under the Act against Delay in Payment of Subcontract Proceeds, etc. to Subcontractors

July 8	METI will Launch a Demonstration Project to Improve Diabetes Management through the Utilization of IoT and Health Information and will also Establish a Healthcare Data Community
July 1	White Paper on Open Innovation Compiled

July 11	A Report was Compiled Concerning the Results of the Investigation on the Imposition of Anti-Dumping Duty on Potassium Hydroxide Originating in the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China
July 1	METI State Minister Takagi Visited China
June 27	State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Suzuki Attended the 2016 Ministerial Meeting of Digital Economy: Innovation, Growth and Social Prosperity

July 11	IoT Acceleration Lab to Hold the Second Big Data Analysis Contest
July 8	Forecast of Global Supply and Demand Trends for Petrochemical Products (for the 2007-2020 period) Compiled

June 3	Promulgation of the Partial Revision of the Act on Special Measures Concerning Procurement of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources by Electricity Utilities

July 7	Steel Demand Prospects for the Second Quarter of FY 2016 (July-September 2016)
June 30	Ministerial Ordinances, etc., Concerning International Reciprocal Recognition for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles were Enacted
June 28	The First Meeting of the Long-term Global Warming Countermeasures Platform to be Held

July 5	IoT Security Guidelines ver. 1.0 Formulated

July 1	The Seventh Career Education Awards and the Sixth Awards for Partnerships for Career Education Promotion will be Awarded
July 1	The Act for Facilitating New Business Activities of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Came into Force
June 27	METI Kids Day will be Held

July 1	Release of Annual Report on the Office of Intellectual Property Protection (2016)
June 22	Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kitamura Visited Russia

June 28	Cabinet Decisions were made for the Cabinet Order on the Effective Date and the Cabinet Order on Amendment of Related Cabinet Orders concerning the Act Partially Amending the Act for Facilitating New Business Activities of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

July 4	A Panel was Established under the WTO Agreement Regarding the Republic of Korea’s Measure Imposing Anti-Dumping Duties on Valves for Pneumatic Transmission from Japan
June 24	Advisory Council on Challenges and Future Directions concerning FinTech (Advisory Council on FinTech) is to be held.

June 28	The 144th Survey of SME Business Conditions (April-June 2016) Is Released
June 21	Release of the White Paper on International Economy and Trade

June 24	Numerical Value of Japan’s Ratio of Self-development (FY 2015) Released
June 23	The CGS (Corporate Governance System) Study Group Meeting will be Held.

June 24	FY 2015 Enforcement Status of the Home Appliances Recycling Law and Recycling Statistics for Manufacturers and Importers
June 17	First Meeting of the Platform for a Strategic Dialogue on Carbon Markets Takes Place

June 13	The Second Japan-Israel Economic Dialogue was held
June 3	METI Minister Hayashi Visited San Francisco, the United States, to Attend the Mission Innovation Ministerial Meeting and the Seventh Clean Energy Ministerial

June 24	Schedule change for LNG Producer-Consumer Conference 2016
June 23	Fifth Round of the Negotiations for a Japan-Turkey Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

June 22	Tenth Round of Negotiations (Chief Delegates’ Meetings) on a Free Trade Agreement among Japan, China and the ROK to be Held
June 20	Craft Meet Project Launched

June 17	Announcing Registration of the 600th Regional Collective Trademark “比婆牛(Hiba Beef)”
June 10	METI Started to Receive Proposals on Local IoT Acceleration Labs

June 15	The Second Public-Private Forum on Trade Secrets Has Taken Place!
June 15	A Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Project Has Been Registered in Viet Nam!
June 13	Announcement of Figures for FY2013 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculated Under the GHG Emissions Accounting, Reporting, and Disclosure System

June 14	Results Compiled of the E-Commerce Market Survey
June 10	User Satisfaction with Examination is Increasing (Results of the FY2015 User Satisfaction Surveys on Examination Quality)

June 14	Interim Report by the Sports Development Council Released
June 13	Winners of the First Nihon Service Award Announced
June 10	Findings of METI’s Study of Recent Trends and Future Estimates Concerning IT Human Resources Released
June 3	Guidelines for Safe Use of Play Facilities on the Premises of Commercial Facilities Compiled

June 9	Announcement of the 2016 Competitive IT Strategy Company Stock Selection
June 9	Release of Companies Selected for the “Competitive IT Strategy SME Selection 100”
May 30	METI Minister Hayashi Held a Meeting with Finance Minister Jaitley of India

June 7	Advisory Committee for Geothermal Resources Development Established
June 2	Recall of Aquarium Thermostat Heaters Sold by Gex. Co., Ltd. (Free Product Inspection and Product Replacement)

June 8	Lowering the Risks associated with Overseas Intellectual Property Disputes
June 6	METI State Minister Takagi Visited France and Austria
June 3	Revision of the Interpretative Guidelines on Electronic Commerce and Information Property Trading

June 8	Thirteenth Round of Negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
June 3	Report on Research for Case Examples concerning the Implementation of Regulations on International Cartel Cases among Overseas Competition Regulatory Authorities Compiled
June 2	Super Creators Certified under the MITOU Program!

June 9	Japan Requested the Establishment of a Panel under the WTO Agreement Regarding the Republic of Korea’s Measure Imposing Anti-Dumping Duties on Valves for Pneumatic Transmission from Japan
June 3	IP5 Offices Agreed on the IP5 Joint Statement in Tokyo 2016 (Tokyo Statement)

June 8	The 2016 Report on Compliance by Major Trading Partners with Trade Agreements (WTO, FTA/EPA and IIA) and the METI Priorities Based on the 2016 Report Released
May 20	METI State Minister Suzuki Attended a Meeting of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade
May 19	ANRE will Host a Peer Review by the OECD/NEA Concerning Japan’s Efforts for Final Disposal of High-level Radioactive Waste

June 1	National Mine Safety Week to be Held from July 1 to 7
May 31	The First Meeting of the Platform for a Strategic Dialogue on Carbon Markets to be Held

May 31	Summer Energy Conservation Measures
May 24	Extension of Period of Anti-Dumping Duty Investigation on Potassium Hydroxide Originating in the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China
May 20	Recall of Ceramic Fan Heaters Imported by Denkyosha Co., Ltd. (Product Replacement)
May 18	The Week from June 10 to 16 is Explosives Safety Week

May 25	IoT Acceleration Lab will hold an event titled the “Second IoT Lab Connection” for Theme-Based Project Organization and Business Collaboration among Companies
May 20	SMEA will Support Regionally -based SMEs in Securing Human Resources

May 31	The Results of a Survey on Blockchain Technologies and Related Services were Compiled

May 25	The Third ASEAN-Japan Public-Private Dialogue on New Industries to be Held
May 24	State Minister Takagi Visited India

May 24	Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order to specify the Enforcement Dates of the Act for Partial Revision of the Electricity Business Act (Third Stage)
May 23	The “Expanded Partnership for Quality Infrastructure” initiative directed toward the G7 Ise-Shima Summit Meeting announced
May 17	The Working Group on Distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Compiled a Report

May 20	Craftswomen Symposium Held
May 12	METI State Minister Takagi Visited Europe

May 20	“Public-Private Council for the Promotion of Appropriate Ivory Trade Measures” to Hold First Meeting
May 17	METI State Minister Takagi Visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

May 20	FY 2015 Measures to Promote Manufacturing Technology (White Paper on Manufacturing Industries) Released
May 17	The Cabinet Approved the 2016 Annual Report on Energy (Japan’s Energy White Paper 2016)
May 16	Japan Signed a Cooperation Document with the UAE Space Agency in the Field of Space

May 13	METI Compiled the FY2015 Revised Article-by-Article Explanations of the Unfair Competition Prevention Act
May 2	Handbook for Utilization of Human Resources in SMEs Compiled

May 16	IOSCO Issues a Report on the Impact of Storage and Delivery Infrastructure on Commodity Derivatives Market Pricing
May 13	Japan-Argentina Joint Economic Forum Held
May 28	METI Signed a Joint Statement Regarding Japan-Germany Cooperation on IoT/Industrie 4.0
May 28	The Electricity Supply-Demand Verification Subcommittee Has Compiled a Report

May 11	ASEAN-Japan Chemical Safety Database Officially Launched
May 9	METI Parliamentary Vice-Minister Hoshino Visited Ethiopia
April 5	The Requirement for Filing an Application on behalf of the Domestic Industry for the Imposition of an Anti-dumping Duty was Revised

April 28	METI Compiled a Report Titled “Guidebook for Introducing New Stock-based Compensation (“Restricted Stock”) as Board Members’ Compensation to Encourage Companies to Promote Proactive Business Management”
April 27	An Interim Report on the New Industrial Structure Vision was Compiled
April 26	Recall of Pressure Cookers Imported by SIS Co., Ltd. (Product Recall)

May 9	METI Minister Hayashi Visited the Kingdom of Morocco
April 27	Calling for Entrepreneur Applicants for the Start Next Innovator 2016 Initiative (Program for Fostering Global Entrepreneurs)
April 27	Results of the Meetings of the Examination Working Group of the Information Economy Subcommittee were Compiled

April 26	Results of the Demonstration Project for the Introduction of Robots under the FY2014 Supplementary Budget were Compiled
April 25	Successful Reduction of Returned Food and Food Loss through Enhancing and Sharing a Demand Forecast Technique

May 9	Facilitating Patent Granting in Cambodia
May 2	Japan hosted the G7 Kitakyushu Energy Ministerial Meeting
May 2	METI Minister Hayashi Attends the G7 ICT Ministers’ Meeting in Takamatsu, Kagawa
April 19	Innovative Energy Strategy was Compiled

April 27	Call for Applicants for the Seventh Robot Awards
April 22	2016 White Paper on Small and Medium Enterprises in Japan and 2016 White Paper on Small Enterprises in Japan Released
April 21	METI Compiled a Proposal Titled “Development of a System for Promoting Dialogue between Companies and Shareholders/Investors” Toward Promoting and Expanding Electronic Provision of Materials Related to Shareholder Meetings
April 21	Study Group on Promoting Electronification of Processes for Shareholder Meetings Compiled a Report

May 2	A Report was compiled on the Future Direction of the Active Use of Big Data in the Distribution and Logistics Field
April 22	Enforcement Status of the Basel Convention and its Domestic Laws Concerning Import/Export of Specified Hazardous Wastes in 2015
March 31	Work Teams Committed to the Measures for Decommissioning and Contaminated Water Management were Finalized and will Receive a Certificate of Gratitude
March 11	Work Teams Will Receive a Certificate of Gratitude for their Commitment to the Measures for Decommissioning and Contaminated Water Management in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

May 2	METI Publicized the Strategy for LNG Market Development at the G7 Energy Ministerial Meeting in Kitakyushu
April 22	OECD High-Level Meeting on Steel was Held
April 15	Recall of Electric Heaters (Carbon Heaters) Imported by Sugiyama Spinning and Weaving Co., Ltd. (Product Inspection and Repair)

April 28	Results of Damage Caused by the Earthquakes that Occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture and METI’s Response (as of 6:00 am, Thursday, April 28)
April 18	Announcement of METI’s Efforts regarding Measures for Securing Smooth and Appropriate Transfer of Consumption Tax as of the End of March 2016
April 15	SMEA Announces the Declarations of Support for Regional Specialties (March 2016)

April 27	Results of Damage Caused by the Earthquakes that Occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture and METI’s Response (as of 6:00 am, Wednesday, April 27)
April 26	Results of Damage Caused by the Earthquakes that Occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture and METI’s Response (as of 6:00 am, Tuesday, April 26)
April 21	METI calls for opinions and information on FinTech

April 20	The Study Group on Entities Which Provide Essential Services For Regions Compiled a Report
April 20	Results of the Regional Economic and Industrial Research (January–March 2016)
April 15	First Japanese-led Offshore Seismic Survey Using the Three-dimensional Seismic Survey Vessel Shigen
April 15	FY 2014 Energy Supply and Demand Report (Revised Report) (April 15, 2016)

April 25	Results of Damage Caused by the Earthquakes that Occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture and METI’s Response (as of 6:00 am, Monday, April 25)
April 15	IoT Acceleration Lab Started Calling for New Projects for the Second IoT Lab Selection
April 14	A Strategy Council for Utilization of Benchmarks for Local Companies is to be Established

April 22	Results of Damage Caused by the Earthquakes that Occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture and METI’s Response (as of 6:00 am, Friday, April 22)
April 15	Partial Amendment of the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Issuance of Certificates of Origin Pursuant to the Economic Partnership Agreement adding the Agreement between Japan and Mongolia for an Economic Partnership

April 21	Results of Damage Caused by the Earthquakes that Occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture and METI’s Response (as of 6:00 am, Thursday, April 21)
April 20	Twelfth Round of Negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
April 13	METI Exchanged Views with International Payment Brands on Cooperation Toward the Realization of a Safe and Secure Cashless Society

April 20	Results of Damage Caused by the Earthquakes that Occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture and METI’s Response (as of 6:00 am, Wednesday, April 20)
April 13	ANRE and NDF Held the 1st International Forum on the Decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

April 19	Results of Damage Caused by the Earthquakes that Occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture and METI’s Response (as of 6:00 am, Tuesday, April 19)
April 8	The Third Meeting of the Japan-China Chemical Industrial Policy Dialogue was Held

April 18	Results of Damage caused by the Earthquakes that Occurred in Kumamoto Prefecture and METI’s Response (as of 6:00 am, Monday, April 18)
April 11	METI Compiled a Survey Report on Business Activities Utilizing Social Media

April 6	Results of the Second Meeting of the Sino-Japanese Distribution and Exchange Dialogue

April 7	Progress Made in Regulatory Reform for Individual Enterprises
April 5	Authorization of Demonstration Tours Using Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices in the Futako-Tamagawa Area: A Plan for New Business Activities under the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act

March 29	JPO Compiles the JPO Status Report 2016

April 5	Steel Demand Prospects for the First Quarter of FY 2016 (April-June 2016)
April 5	Achievement of Target for Reduced Emissions during the First Commitment Period Prescribed by the Kyoto Protocol was Formally Finalized

April 4	Multilingual Guidelines for In-store Signs in the Retail Industry were Developed
March 30	Survey of Factory Location Trends: 2015 Preliminary Report (January–December)

April 1	G7 Kitakyushu Energy Ministerial Meeting (EMM) to be Held
March 29	The 143rd Survey of SME Business Conditions (January–March 2016) Is Released

April 5	Sixteenth Round of Negotiations on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement
April 5	Determination of Imposition of Provisional Anti-dumping Duties on Potassium Hydroxide Originating in the Republic of Korea and the People's Republic of China
March 29	Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order to Partially Revise the Export Trade Control Order

March 30	METI Releases the Study Group Report “For Realizing a Vigorous ‘Vintage Society’”
March 29	The 143rd Survey of SME Business Conditions (January–March 2016) Is Released

March 28	Japan to Call Global Attention to its Traditional Crafts in Milan, Italy

April 1	The Act on Facilitation of Business Succession Entered into Force Today
March 25	METI Conducts Prior Registration for Business Operators Including Retail Electricity Suppliers (on March 25, 2016)
March 24	Status of the Occurrence of Acts of Unauthorized Computer Access and Progress of Research and Development on Technology relating to Access Control Features Are Compiled
March 24	You Could Help a Lot by Just Recycling "Used Paper" and "Glass Bottles" !

March 30	Tenth Round of Negotiations (DG/DDG Meetings) on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) among Japan, China and the ROK
March 29	Review of the End User List

March 22	METI to Start Discussion on New Trends Brought about by Biotechnology
March 22	METI Minister Hayashi Visits Viet Nam

March 24	METI Releases the Report by the Study Group on the Provision of Nursing Care Services in Response to Future Nursing Care Demand
March 23	Compilation of the Road Map for EVs and PHVs toward the Dissemination of Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
March 22	Compilation of the Revised Version of the Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

March 22	METI and JETRO Establish AP Commission for the Public and Private Sectors in India
March 22	METI Compiles the Report of the Study Group on Internal Globalization

March 25	Preliminary Determination Made based on the Results of the Anti-Dumping Duty Investigation on Potassium Hydroxide Originating in the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China
March 22	Recall of Electric Heaters (Carbon Heaters) Imported by YUASA PRIMUS CO., LTD. (Inspection and Repair)
March 18	Settlement of FY 2016 Purchase Prices and FY 2016 Surcharge Rates under the Feed-in Tariff Scheme for Renewable Energy

March 22	The JPO Extensively Reviews and Revises the Trademark Examination Guidelines for the First Time in 45 Years

March 18	The Cabinet Approves the Cabinet Order to Specify the Date for Partial Enforcement of the Act for Preparation etc. of Related Acts to Promote Reform for Increasing Independence and Autonomy of Local Communities and the Cabinet Order on the Partial Revision of the Order for Enforcement of the Act for Facilitating New Business Activities of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

March 16	Announcement of the FY 2015 Nadeshiko Brands
March 16	Winners of New Diversity Management Selection 100 in FY 2015
March 15	Winner of Japan Healthcare Business Contest 2016 Grand Prix Selected

March 18	The Fourth Japan- Arab Economic Forum to be held
March 14	SMEA Compiles Guidebook on Overseas Risk Management for Small and Medium Enterprises
March 10	JPO Compiles FY 2015 Survey Report on Losses Caused by Counterfeiting

March 14	Accession to the Patent Law Treaty and the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks

March 15	Japan Requests Consultations with the Republic of Korea Under The WTO Agreement Regarding the Republic of Korea’s Measure Imposing Anti-dumping Duties on Valves for Pneumatic Transmission From Japan
March 14	METI Conducts Prior Registration for Business Operators Including Retail Electricity Suppliers (on March 14, 2016)
March 8	The Cabinet Approves the Cabinet Order to Specify the Enforcement Date for the Bill for the Partial Revision of the Act on Facilitation of Succession of Management of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises and Other Acts and the Cabinet Order for the Partial Revision of the Order for Enforcement of the Small Enterprise Mutual Relief Projects Act and the Order for Enforcement of the Act on the Independent Administrative Agency for the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan
March 7	METI and the JFTC Revise the Guidelines for Proper Electric Power Trade
March 4	Cabinet Approves the Bill on the Strengthening of the Management of SMEs, etc.

March 4	METI Formulates a Tool for Business Diagnoses Named Benchmarks for Local Companies (“Local Benchmark”)
March 4	METI to Hold the Monodzukuri Exhibition (Manufacturing Exhibition)
March 4	The First NIPPON QUEST Awards have been Selected!
February 29	METI to Hold an International Symposium “Think Together Now about Geological Disposal –Learning from Efforts Made around the World–“

March 4	Release of FY 2014 PRTR Data
March 2	The 23rd Asian Export Control Seminar was Held
March 1	SMEA Announces the Sixth Round of Declarations of Support for Regional Specialties

March 7	METI Conducts Prior Registration for Business Operators Including Retail Electricity Suppliers (on March 7, 2016)
March 7	JPO Compiles a Booklet Titled Regional Brands in JAPAN 2016 - Regional Collective Trademarks
March 2	METI to Hold the FY 2015 Symposium for the Commendation Ceremony for the New Diversity Management Selection 100 and the Announcement of the Nadeshiko Brands
March 1	Public Notice of the Announcement of the Unit Prices to Be Used as the Basis for Calculating Imbalance Rates in Preparation for the Full Liberalization of Entry into the Electricity Retail Market

February 29	Compilation of the Report of the Study Group on the Credit Card Industry and Big Data
February 26	METI Releases the Innovation 100 Committee Report

March 1	METI Formulates the Information Security Management Standards (2016 Revised Version)
February 29	METI Concludes a Memorandum with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation
February 19	Cabinet Approves the Cabinet Order to Specify the Date of Entry into Force of the Amended Electricity Business Act (3rd Stage) and Other Cabinet Orders

February 26	Cabinet Approves the Cabinet Order on the Partial Revision of the Order for Enforcement of the Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation of Their Manufacture, etc.
February 25	JPO to Promote Cooperation concerning Classification for Patents and Designs with the USPTO
January 28	ANRE and NDF to Hold the 1st International Forum on the Decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

February 24	Announcement of Tax Treatment of Insurance Premiums for Directors’ & Officers’ Liability Insurance

February 26	Announcement of the Winners of the Second Nippon Venture Awards
February 23	METI Conducts Prior Registration for Business Operators Including Retail Electricity Suppliers (on February 23, 2016)

February 23	Compilation of an Action Plan for the Strengthening of Measures for Security in Credit Card Transactions
February 23	Winners Selected for the 2016 Grand Prix for Development of Fundamental Competencies for Working Persons!

February 24	Fifteenth Round of Negotiations on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement

February 22	SMEA Strengthens Financial Support for SMEs and Micro Businesses
February 17	METI Starts Public Calls for Demonstration Projects for Lifestyle improvement Using Personal Health and Medical Information
February 16	March 3rd Is World Wildlife Day

February 15	Winner of the METI Minister’s Award under the Fifth Commendation Program for Supporting Regional Industries (Innovation-Net Award 2016)
February 12	Electricity Market Surveillance Commission and the NCAC Conclude an Agreement for Consumer Protection

February 15	State Minister Takagi Visits India
February 9	Cabinet Decision on the Bill on the Partial Revision of the Act on Special Measures Concerning Procurement of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources by Electricity Utilities.
February 9	METI to Establish the Study Group on Investment for Sustainable Value Creation

February 15	METI Is to Hold the “New Business Creation Conference & Connect!” and the Commendation Ceremony for the Nippon Venture Awards
February 12	METI Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kitamura Visits the Republic of South Africa
February 12	METI Is to Hold the MITOH Meeting 2016 for the Promotion of the Active Participation of IT Human Resources with Outstanding Abilities!

February 12	Cabinet Approves the Cabinet Order to Specify Provisions for Related Cabinet Orders Associated with Enforcement of the Amended Electricity Business Act (2nd Stage)
February 10	METI to Launch Robots for Everyone Project

February 9	Recall of Shelves (for Washstands) Produced by Takara Standard Co., Ltd. (Inspection, Free of Charge and on a Voluntary Basis)
February 5	Signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with Iran concerning Establishment of a Financing Facility and Iran’s provision of sovereign guarantee

February 10	METI Publishes a Tool That Supports the Provision of Corporate Numbers to Attach to Corporate Information
February 10	METI Is to Collect Information Related to Actual Conditions of Online Businesses
February 5	Cabinet Approved the Amendment Bill to the Spent Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Fund Act

February 8	Recall of Battery Cartridges for Rechargeable Vacuum Cleaners Imported by Iris Ohyama, Inc. (Product Replacement)
February 5	Japan and the Islamic Republic of Iran Sign a Bilateral Investment Agreement

February 8	METI to Build a Network of Japanese Companies Interested in Business in Myanmar × Young Human Resources in the Area
February 5	JPO to Hold Japan-Singapore Intellectual Property Symposium
February 5	Characteristics of Companies in Japan from the Viewpoints of Young Foreign Human Resources Are Revealed
February 5	METI Reviews and Revises the Electricity Supply-Demand Outlook for the Winter of FY 2015

February 10	Eleventh Round of Negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
February 8	METI Conducts Prior Registration for Retail Electricity Suppliers (on February 8, 2016)
February 4	Signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement
January 29	Japan Sports Agency and METI to Hold the First Meeting of the Sports Development Council

February 4	METI to Introduce Efforts Made to Advance Business Activities Utilizing Social Media
February 3	DENSAN to Hold Traditional Crafts Exhibition WAZA 2016

February 3	METI Selects Enterprises to Participate in the Program for Dispatching Global Entrepreneurs to the U.S. under the Project for Fostering Global Entrepreneurs
February 1	Traditional Japanese Crafts Will Be Showcased to Gain Publicity at the World’s Largest International Trade Fair for Consumer Goods

January 29	SMEA Announces the Fifth Round of Declarations of Support for Regional Specialties

January 28	Recall of Battery Packs Installed in Laptop Computers Manufactured by Panasonic Corporation (Product Replacement)

February 1	Seminar on Resource Efficiency and the Circular Economy in Japan and the EU to be held
January 29	Formulation of the Guidelines Concerning the Management of the Electricity Retail Business

January 28	Recall of Battery Packs Installed in Laptop Computers Imported by Toshiba Corporation (Product Replacement)
January 26	Cabinet Decision on the Bill for the Act for Partial Revision of the NEDO Act
January 25	METI and the Fukushima Prefectural Government Conclude an Agreement on the Development and Operation of Robot Testing Fields and the International Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Facilities for Robots under the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework
January 20	METI has established a Study Group on Technical Issues associated with Geological Disposal in Coastal Areas

January 28	METI Conducts Prior Registration for Retail Electricity Suppliers (on January 28, 2016)
January 25	SMEA Compiles an Export Support Handbook for SMEs
January 25	It Will Become Possible to Certify the Personal Information Protection in Cross-Border Transfer in the APEC Region
January 21	METI and the MIC to Hold Meetings of the Data Distribution Promotion Working Group under the IoT Acceleration Consortium
January 21	METI Announces the Twenty-five Enterprises Selected for the 2016 Health & Productivity Stock Selection!

January 22	State Minister Takagi Visits the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia
January 22	ANRE Conducts FY 2015 Surveys in order to Ascertain Shallow Methane Hydrate Resources

January 26	METI Parliamentary Vice-Minister Hoshino Visits Switzerland
January 20	METI and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) to Hold Meetings of the IoT Security Working Group

January 25	LNG Producer-Consumer Conference 2016
January 22	Approval of the Implementation Plan Prepared by iPS Academia Japan, Inc. Based on the Act to Facilitate Technology Transfer from Universities to the Private Sector
January 22	Results of the Regional Economic and Industrial Research (October-December 2015)
January 20	Recall of Electric Fan Heaters (Ceramic Fan Heaters) Imported by Sengoku Works, Ltd. and Sold by Koizumi Seiki Corp. (Product Replacement)
January 14	METI Hold Meetings of the Cross-sectional System Study Group for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

January 22	Review of the End User List

January 15	International Standardization of Method for Identifying Fake Cashmere by DNA Analysis

January 19	The Cabinet Approves the Cabinet Order for Enforcing the Amended Patent Act and Other Acts of 2015
January 18	Announcement of METI’s Efforts regarding Measures for Securing Smooth and Appropriate Transfer of Consumption Tax as of the End of December 2015

January 19	Fourth Round of the Negotiations for a Japan-Turkey Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
January 15	Cabinet Approves the Cabinet Order on the Partial Revision of the Order for Enforcement of the Ordnance Manufacturing Act

January 14	METI Will Start Final Voting to Decide the Annual Awards for Regional Specialties
December 28	METI Formulates the Cybersecurity Management Guidelines

January 18	METI Conducts Prior Registration for Retail Electricity Suppliers (on January 18, 2016)

January 15	Ninth Round of Negotiations (Chief Delegates’ Meetings) on a Free Trade Agreement among Japan, China and the ROK to be Held
January 12	Eighth Japan-India Energy Dialogue is Held in Tokyo

January 12	JPO Improves and Enhances the International Reach and Quality of Information Provided on Industrial Property Rights in Japan

December 25	JPO Strengthens Cooperative Relationship with the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce in Thailand

December 28	METI Conducts Prior Registration for Retail Electricity Suppliers (on December 28, 2015)
December 28	METI Compiles the Results of a Study on the Circumstances Surrounding the Electricity Business for the Full Liberalization of Entry into the Electricity Retail Market

December 25	Announcement of Typical Cases regarding the Status of Residence of Foreign IT Human Resources and the Points-based System for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals
December 22	FY 2015 Patent Contest and Design Patent Contest Award Recipients

December 25	The Cabinet Approves the Cabinet Order for Enforcing the Revised Trade Insurance and Investment Act
December 24	METI Signs a New Memorandum of Cooperation on Strengthening Chemical Management with the Ministry of Industry of the Kingdom of Thailand
December 21	METI Establishes the Study Committee on Utilization of the Robot Testing Field and the International Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Facility (Robots)
December 21	METI and the TSE Will Hold a Presentation for the 2016 Health & Productivity Stock Selection