Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

11:51 to 12:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

Basic Plan for Small Enterprise Promotion (Third Version)

To begin, I would like to mention three points.

First, a Cabinet Decision was made today on the Basic Plan for Small Enterprise Promotion (Third Version) under the Basic Act for Promoting Small Enterprises. The government is required to revise the plan around every five years. This time, the plan was revised to set four goals and 15 priority measures, aiming to strengthen support for small enterprises in the areas of improving management power, conducting measures to enhance fair trade practices, promoting solutions to regional issues, reinforcing the structure of and collaboration with support organizations, and taking actions to address frequent large-scale disasters.The administrative staff will give a briefing on the details later.

Appointment of presidents of incorporated administrative agencies

Second, at the Cabinet Meeting today, a Cabinet Approval was made on the appointments of the presidents of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, which are incorporated administrative agencies under METI’s jurisdiction. The appointments will be effective from April 1, 2025. The administrative staff will explain the details of this as well later. Please confirm the information they will provide.

IoT security labeling scheme

Third, today, we have started the operation of a scheme called Japan Cyber STAR, which we abbreviate to JC-STAR. This is a security labeling scheme to verify the security of IoT products and grant certification to products that meet the criteria. We will start the acceptance of applications for labeling today. As cyberattacks targeting IoT devices have been increasing, we will work to build an environment in which IoT products that fully meet security standards are chosen by consumers. We will also strive to propel the implementation of the scheme in collaboration with related ministries and agencies, including efforts for encouraging government organizations to proactively utilize such products. The administrative staff will give a briefing on the details later.

Question-and-Answer Session

Actions to address the U.S. measures for additional tariffs

Q: I would like to ask you two questions about the Trump administration’s policies.

First, I would like to ask you about the tariff measures that the United States intends to execute on April 2. In particular, according to press reports, President Trump stated that the United States will execute automobile tariffs in a few days. I understand the U.S. is expected to execute reciprocal tariff measures against other sectors as planned. Could you comment on your views as of today about the U.S. tariff measures, including those affecting the automobile industry, and about the government’s policy to address them? Please also tell me about the progress made in and prospects for the talks at the administrative level on trade issues between Japan and the United States, including tariffs.

A: I am aware of the statement you pointed out, but I think that I should refrain from making any comments on the details of the series of tariff measures as it would be premature. We have been conveying to the related U.S. ministers that Japan should not be included in the scope of the measures, either for automobile tariffs or reciprocal tariffs. I, too, stated that during my recent visit to the United States. We are still making arrangements with the U.S. side about the talks at the administrative level, including the schedule. We would like to hold close talks on approaches to developing a win-win relationship in terms of the national interests of both countries.

Purchase of LNG from the United States

Q: Second, I would like to ask you about the purchase of LNG from the United States. Some, including the chairperson of the Japan Gas Association, have expressed concern about purchasing LNG from Alaska, in which a large amount of investment is expected to be required for the development. Please tell me about the current state of discussions with private companies and the government’s specific policies surrounding the purchase of LNG from the United States, including actions regarding Alaska.

A: When considering the further purchase of LNG from the United States, it is essential to carefully examine the economic efficiency and timing of starting the LNG supply. I believe that the public and private sectors should work together to hold discussions and make progress on this matter. Regarding the LNG project in Alaska, it is necessary to carefully consult relevant people in the United States about prospects for pipeline construction and the details of this project. Under the collaboration between the public and private sectors, the government will consider the measures needed to help private companies to participate in the project and conclude long-term contracts, taking into account the information obtained from the United States and the intentions of Japanese companies.