Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

8:34 to 8:43 a.m.
Friday, May 23, 2025
In front of the elevator hall, 2nd floor, Annex to the House of Representatives

Opening Remarks

Japan Day at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan

The National Day of Japan will be held at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan on Thursday, July 3. During the Japan Day, the official ceremony and related events will be held, including a live performance by the nationally famous singer MISIA, along with various other events held to showcase the culture of Japan.

For general visitors, applications for reservation and a lottery to attend the official ceremony and related events will begin from June 3. Details of other events to be held on the day will also be announced as soon as they are finalized. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will make an all-out effort to attract even more visitors to the venue.

Outlook for this summer’s electricity supply and demand

A council under the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy will hold a meeting today and determine measures for balancing electricity supply and demand this summer. As it is expected that an electricity reserve rate of at least 7% or more can be secured this summer, we do not intend to issue a request to undertake exceptional electricity saving efforts. Meanwhile, we recognize that the situation is unpredictable in light of the potential risks of abnormal weather and the stoppage of power stations due to unforeseen problems. We will continue to maintain vigilant monitoring of the electricity supply and demand situation.

For details of the outlook for electricity supply and demand, the administrative staff will hold a briefing today after the council meeting.

Question-and-Answer Session

Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations

Q: Let me ask you about Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations.

Today, Minister Akazawa will leave for the United States for the third round of ministerial talks. I would like to know what you think about the talks, including what you expect from the talks and what its important elements will be, in addition to when you feel the negotiations with the United States may wrap up. This follows on from the United Kingdom and China, which have already reached an agreement with the united States, and some news media companies are saying that the fourth round will be held next week.

A: I am aware that Mr. Akazawa Ryosei, Minister in Charge of Economic Revitalization, will leave for the United States for the third round of talks today. During this round, I expect that discussion will be held for the two sides to reach an agreement that is beneficial to both sides.

As for when to bring the negotiations with the U.S. side to a conclusion, I would refrain from making any comments based on predictions. With regard to this, I think the situation will remain the same next week.

Reverse import of automobiles from the United States

Q: For the tariffs, in the debate between party leaders held the other day, the prime minister said that the reverse import of automobiles from the United States could be a means to deal with the tariff-related issues. Could you share with us your view about this prime minister’s comment?

A: I am aware of the comment made by Prime Minister Ishiba in the debate between party leaders. Presently, the Government of Japan is taking the approach of not excluding any options that might benefit the country. I understand that the prime minister referred to the possibility that reverse import could be one such option.

Actions to address U.S. tariff measures on automobiles

Q: Let me ask you another question about Japan-U.S. tariff talks.

In particular in relation to additional tariffs on automobiles, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association expressed its expectation for the early conclusion of an agreement between the two countries at its press conference held yesterday. In the U.S.-U.K. agreement, however, a quota of 100,000 units was set for the relief of the U.S. tariffs, meaning that the tariffs were not completely lifted. Negotiations on the additional tariffs imposed on automobiles by the U.S. side will be tough negotiations for Japan, and what is your view on issues on which Japan is not able to make compromises?

A: For automobiles, I think a range of news reports have already been made. On May 3, tariffs on auto parts also came into effect. As for the impact of the tariffs, as I have mentioned before, the automobile market provides more than 5 million people with jobs and is a core industry in Japan. The U.S. tariffs have a very serious impact on Japan.

Under such circumstances, Minister Akazawa will visit the United States again for negotiations on the tariffs, including those on automobiles. I expect that the two sides will head toward a direction that is beneficial to both sides and eventually will reach a so-called win-win agreement.