Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

11:09 to 11:26 a.m.
Friday, August 1, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

Request for understanding regarding the Tomari Nuclear Power Station Unit 3

On July 30, we received permission from the Nuclear Regulation Authority to modify the reactor installation of the Tomari Nuclear Power Station Unit 3. The Government of Japan will respect that decision and proceed with restarting Unit 3 with the understanding of local communities. On Friday, August 1, I called Mr. Suzuki Naomichi, Governor of Hokkaido, Mr. Takahashi Tetsunori, Mayor of Tomari Village, Mr. Narita Shinichi, Mayor of Kyowa Town, and Mr. Takahashi Masayuki, Mayor of Kamoenai Village, to inform them of this policy. I am also scheduled to speak with Mr. Kimura Kiyohiko, Mayor of Iwanai Town, this afternoon.

Furthermore, next Monday, August 4, I will dispatch Mr. Murase Yoshifumi, Commissioner of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, and Mr. Yamada Hitoshi, Director-General for Energy and Environmental Policy, to the Hokkaido Prefectural Government and the four towns and villages to have them explain this policy once again. Going forward, we will continue to communicate closely with the Hokkaido Prefectural Government, Tomari Village, Kyowa Town, Iwanai Town, Kamoenai Village, and other related parties, and work to gain understanding from the local communities.

Question-and-Answer Session

Actions to address the U.S. tariff measures

Q: I would like to ask you about the U.S. tariff measures.

Japan and the United States have agreed to reduce to 15% the reciprocal tariffs, which were originally notified to Japan to be raised to 25% as of August 1, and President Trump has just signed an Executive Order that will be put into effect from August 7. However, the reciprocal tariffs remain higher than the previous rate of 10%, which means the tariff rate will still increase. There are also concerns about the impact on export companies. Could you tell us your thoughts on supporting export companies?

A: I understand that an Executive Order has just been signed in the United States regarding the revision of reciprocal tariff rates. Since the announcement has just been made, I believe that it is necessary to carefully examine the details of the tariff measures. In any event, the Government of Japan will continue to urge the United States to promptly take measures to implement the latest agreement, including reducing tariffs on automobiles and automobile parts, and will continue to work toward the steady implementation of the agreement by both Japan and the United States.

Furthermore, even if the U.S. side steadily implements the agreement, a certain level of tariff rates will continue to be applied to the current reciprocal tariffs and the automobile and automobile parts tariffs. Yesterday, together with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, I listened to the views of the automobile and automobile parts industries. We received opinions on the impact of the application of a certain level of tariff rates and the need to stimulate domestic demand. Going forward, we plan to hear opinions from other industries regarding the impact of the agreement. We intend to take into account the opinions we receive and turn them into concrete policies.

Inquiries about the U.S. tariff measures to the consultation counters on U.S. Tariff Measures for Japanese Companies

Q: I would also like to ask you about the consultation counters on U.S. Tariff Measures for Japanese Companies. The Government of Japan has set up these consultation desks in 1,000 locations across the country, and I understand that as of July 23, they received a total of 4,650 inquiries. I would like to know the latest number of inquiries since then.

A: As you just mentioned, we have the consultation counters in 1,000 locations across the country, and as of July 30, we have received a total of 4,938 inquiries. That means that we have received approximately 800 inquiries in the past month. In terms of what they are about, approximately 50% of the inquiries relate to the content of tariff measures, such as tariff rates. Approximately 30% of inquiries were about cash flow support. Since the Japan-U.S. agreement was announced on July 22, we have received a total of 288 inquiries in one week, but there has been no significant change in the breakdown of the inquiries. Furthermore, since the agreement was reached, we have received several inquiries regarding the content of this agreement, including the $550 billion in investments, loans, and loan guarantees.

At the Comprehensive Response Headquarters for U.S. Tariff Measures held last week, Prime Minister Ishiba instructed that the special consultation counters should be able to provide detailed answers regarding the tariff rate for each item under the latest agreement, and that they should also carefully respond to consultations on financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises and small business operators. In accordance with these instructions, we would like to continue providing detailed explanations and consultations at the special consultation counters.

Actions to address U.S. tariff measures

Q: I would like to ask you two questions about the U.S. Executive Order regarding the review of reciprocal tariffs with the United States.

First, the Executive Order is expected to come into effect after seven days, but I would like to know what percentage you think the reciprocal tariff rate will be in the week leading up to the Executive Order's coming into effect.

Second, the Government of Japan announced that an agreement was reached on a reciprocal tariff of 15%, including the MFN (Most-Favored-Nation) tariff rates, but according to the U.S. materials released this morning, it is stated that a reciprocal tariff of 15%, including the MFN tariff rates, will apply only to the EU. I would like to know your perception of whether the reciprocal tariff of 15% applicable to Japan includes the MFN tariff rates.

A: Since the announcement has just been made, I think we need to examine the details of the measures a little more closely. As we will confirm the details with the United States, I would like to refrain from making comments on the matter.