Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

9:23 to 9:31 a.m.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

Bookstore Revitalization Plan

This January, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) released a list of issues to be solved for the revitalization of bookstores. The list was compiled by the Bookstores Promotion Project Team launched within the Ministry last March. Subsequently, we conducted an examination of the measures necessary to solve remaining issues in collaboration with related ministries and agencies. As a result, the Bookstore Revitalization Plan, which outlines bookstores promotion measures, has been compiled and will be released today.

This plan includes organizing a public-private study meeting for the reduction of unsold books returned by bookstores and raising awareness about the lowered fees to be imposed on bookstores when accepting credit card payments. Going forward, we will collaborate with related ministries and agencies to steadily implement the measures described in the plan.

The administrative staff will provide a briefing including further details later.

Question-and-Answer Session

Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations

Q: Let me ask you about Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations. Minister Akazawa engaged in the fifth round of ministerial talks on June 6 and subsequently announced that discussion is moving forward for the two sides to reach an agreement. Could you share with us your view on the fifth round of ministerial talks and the possibility that the leaders of the two countries will agree on certain points on the sidelines of the G7 Summit?

A: I am aware that through the ministerial talks, in which Mr. Akazawa Ryosei, Minister in Charge of Economic Revitalization participated, discussion is moving forward for the two sides to reach an agreement. I will refrain from talking about the outlook for future talks from my position.

However, I understand that the two sides have confirmed that they will continue to make adjustments to reach a consensus that is beneficial to both sides, while looking ahead to a summit talk between the leaders of the two countries at the G7 Summit. METI will continue to collaborate steadily with Minister Akazawa’s team for the two countries to reach a consensus.

Bookstore Revitalization Plan

Q: I would like to ask you about the promotion of bookstores, which you mentioned at the beginning of this press conference.

It has been over a year since the Bookstores Promotion Project Team was launched under the direct control of the Minister last March. My understanding is that the team conducted activities, including interviewing bookstore owners and other related people for the compilation of the Revitalization Plan. As the importance of bookstores is more widely recognized in society, the public interest in bookstores seems to be increasing accordingly. Could you share with us your thought about bookstores and your commitment to implementing specific measures based on the Revitalization Plan, which has been compiled?

A: Over the last 10 years, the number of bookstores has decreased by about 4,000 in total nationwide. As a result, one-fourth of municipalities now have no bookstores in their areas. Also, in Gifu Prefecture, from which I hail, the number of bookstores has been decreasing in many of the rural areas, and I have a strong sense of crisis about the situation. Regarding the issues related to bookstores, I was frequently asked questions by members of the committee at the current session of the Diet, which in my opinion reflects an increase in the public’s interest in the issues. I have been working for the revitalization of bookstores since I took over the role from Mr. Saito Ken, former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, regarding the measures for it as important measures.

I think we have made a great progress by compiling the Bookstore Revitalization Plan and deem it essential to steadily implement measures in collaboration with related ministries and agencies. I would like to exercise my leadership role within the Ministry to play an active role for the revitalization of bookstores.

Actions to address U.S. tariff measures on automobiles

Q: Let me ask a question about U.S. tariffs on automobiles. One of the executive vice presidents of Toyota, using the company’s own media channels, talked about the meeting held between the prime minister and Chairman Toyoda of the automaker last month, and referred to the use of Toyota’s sales network for U.S. automakers to sell their cars in the Japanese market as one option moving forward. Also, the executive vice president commented that so-called reverse-import of automobiles was not excluded from the options. At what level of seriousness is the Government of Japan conducting examination on these options? Has the Government already started to talk with Toyota about the options?

A: I am aware of the news report about the meeting. However, I think I should refrain from making any comments today, as negotiations are under way, and any comment or prediction I make could impact them.

Going forward, we will closely monitor the situation and steadily support Minister Akazawa. In the course of making such efforts, I may have an opportunity to talk about the related details.