Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

*Note: This is a provisional translation for reference purposes only.

11:04 to 11:10 a.m.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

Bill for the Act for Partially Amending the Act on the Promotion of Smooth Transition to a Decarbonized, Growth-Oriented Economic Structure and the Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources

Today, a Cabinet Decision was made on the Bill for the Act for Partially Amending the so-called GX Promotion Act and the Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources. The purpose of the bill is to enhance the investment predictability of businesses through the implementation of carbon pricing, and to promote emission reductions throughout the entire product life cycle through enhancing resource circulation as efforts to achieve GX.

The main points of the bill include the development of systems necessary for the full-fledged operation of the emissions trading system, measures for businesses involving the utilization of recycled materials, and the establishment of a certification system to promote environmentally conscious design. The administrative staff will explain the details of the bill later.

Question-and-Answer Session

Cooperation and collaboration in the automobile industry

Q: Following the end of discussions on business integration between Honda and Nissan, there has recently been a series of press coverage about Japanese companies’ collaboration with overseas companies, such as Hon Hai’s proposal for cooperation with Honda and Nissan’s plan to request investment from Tesla. Amid this situation, some may consider international collaboration beneficial for the Japanese automobile industry, while others may consider such cooperation disadvantageous to Japanese technology and employment from the perspective of national security. Could you comment on METI’s current views on this?

A: While I recognize the press coverage, I would like to refrain from making comments because it relates to the business developments of individual companies. Generally speaking, however, I recognize that global cooperation and collaboration between various companies and industries often occur in the automobile industry.

If I may also speak in general terms, I recognize that international cooperation may lead to attracting networks and access know-how held by overseas companies, but, at the same time, I know that companies need to be careful about the outflow of their technology outside Japan.

IAEA Director General Grossi’s visit to Japan

Q: I have two questions about ALPS treated water. Last week, IAEA Director General Grossi visited Japan and the IAEA conducted an additional monitoring of the treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station under its framework. In an exclusive interview with NHK about the additional monitoring, Director General Grossi stated, or expressed his views, that the IAEA intends to conduct additional monitoring more frequently going forward. Could you tell me if you recognise this and offer your views on this?

A: I am aware of the press coverage. Concerning the comments made by IAEA Director General Grossi that the IAEA will conduct more frequent monitoring, I understand that the IAEA will enhance its efforts to provide the international community with highly transparent information.

We understand that the IAEA will take the lead in advancing the details of the effort. As a member of the government, we will continue to fully cooperate with the IAEA.

I am also aware that he made a comment on the frequency of the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea. Japan’s basic policy on handling of the ALPS treated water includes an explanation of the total amount of tritium to be discharged into the sea per year. I believe that it is important for Japan to continue to achieve safe discharge of the water in line with this basic policy for the time being.

Emissions trading

Q: Concerning the revision of the GX Promotion Act, which you mentioned during your opening remarks, could you comment again on your views on future actions or your enthusiasm for the full-fledged operation of emissions trading?

A: I believe that the smooth implementation of this emissions trading system will not be realized without companies’ efforts to visualize their emissions. It will be very important to steadily advance this effort while ensuring companies’ understanding of the effort, the details of which the administrative staff will explain later.

Moreover, I believe that this effort will not continue without the establishment of a solid trading market. As Japan's response to global warming, we should advance this effort in concrete terms.