Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

8:34 to 8:38 a.m.
Friday, April 4, 2025
In front of the elevator hall, 2nd floor, Annex to the House of Representatives

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Actions to address reciprocal tariffs and tariffs on automobiles imposed by the U.S.

Q: Yesterday, the U.S. announced reciprocal tariffs and implemented automobile tariffs. Please provide us once again with your interpretation of the situation and what actions the government will take.

A: We have been explaining Japan’s concerns to the U.S. government on different levels and have repeatedly requested that the U.S. not take unilateral tariff measures. Nonetheless, the U.S. government implemented tariffs on automobiles and announced reciprocal tariff measures, which is extremely regrettable. We will continue to strongly urge the U.S. to review the measures.

In addition, based on the instructions given by Prime Minister Ishiba, yesterday we established the Task Force for U.S. Tariffs within Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). We have established special consultation counters and started providing companies with cash flow and capital procurement support, and leading medium enterprises and small and medium enterprises with support for business enhancement. First and foremost, by steadily implementing these measures, we must meticulously address people’s concerns. Further, we intend to promptly ascertain the situation faced by domestic industries and discuss additional measures in consideration of their circumstances.

Safety of nuclear power plants amid the estimated damage from the Nankai Trough Earthquake

Q: Changing the subject, I believe a revised estimation of damage by the Nankai Trough Earthquake was announced on March 31. I understand that while there are concerns over compound disasters involving nuclear power plants in Hamaoka, Ikata, Sendai, no concrete damage estimations have been made yet. I believe that evacuation plans will need to be reviewed and concrete measures prepared. Please share your thoughts as to how METI, which is in the position of promoting the restart and replacement of nuclear power plants, will address this matter going forward.

A: With regard to nuclear power plants located within the regions expected to be affected by the earthquake, such as the nuclear power plant in Hamaoka, I understand that their Conformity Reviews account for the impact of the Nankai Trough Earthquake. As the safety of nuclear power plants should be assessed by the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), it is not appropriate for me to comment on the matter.

Also, I understand that the compilation of an “emergency response,” including evacuation plans for each region, is planned based on the NRA Guide for Emergency Preparedness and Response, while ensuring that the response is concrete and reasonable and takes into account compound disasters.

Going forward, I recognize that whenever new findings are revealed, relevant parties must take necessary measures by taking them into account.