Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

11:57-12:08 a.m.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

The Inter-Ministerial Council for Contaminated Water, Treated Water and Decommissioning Issues and the Inter-Ministerial Council for Steady Implementation of the Basic Policy on handling ALPS Treated Water

Today, the Inter-Ministerial Council for Contaminated Water, Treated Water and Decommissioning Issues and the Inter-Ministerial Council for Steady Implementation of the Basic Policy on handling ALPS Treated Waterwere convened. With regard to handling of ALPS treated water, we once again confirmed the policy that the government will assume full responsibility for the process until its completion. The Government will continue to take all possible measures to ensure safety, while also making full efforts to provide information domestically and internationally, respond to import restriction measures, and provide support for the maintenance of livelihoods. In addition, important progress has been seen in the decommissioning process, including the trial retrieval of fuel debris and the development of specific preparation steps for large-scale retrieval. As the decommissioning work becomes more full-fledged, it is essential to ensure safety more than ever and proceed with the work while gaining the understanding of local communities. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will also take the lead in supporting technological development and promoting coexistence with local communities.

GX Implementation Council

Today, the meeting of the GX Implementation Council was held. We shared information on the domestic and international situation surrounding green transformation (GX) and reconfirmed the need for Japan to steadfastly advance its GX initiatives with the aim of simultaneously achieving a stable energy supply, economic growth, and decarbonization. To support advanced GX initiatives in local communities, we established the GX Strategic Region Program, and starting today, August 26, we invite proposals from businesses and local governments. For regions selected as the GX Strategic Regions, we will take measures in alignment with the National Strategic Special Zones, in an integrated manner through support and regulations, and institutional reforms. Administrative staff will hold a briefing session to explain the details.

Question-and-Answer Session

Actions to address the U.S. tariff policy

Q: I would like to ask two questions regarding tariffs.
First, last Friday you began meeting with business associations nationwide to exchange opinions, starting in Gifu Prefecture. What kind of feedback did you receive, and how do you intend to incorporate their real voices into future economic measures and so on?

A: First, following the Japan-U.S. agreement, Prime Minister Ishiba has instructed METI to visit regional areas and industry associations to directly provide detailed explanations and engage in dialogues. In response to this, relevant ministries and agencies are intensively holding opinion exchange meetings as well as briefing sessions for chambers of commerce, commerce and industry associations, and their member companies in various regions throughout August. On Friday, August 22, we held an opinion exchange meeting in Gifu Prefecture. During the meeting, we heard concerns about the uncertainty of the future of the U.S. market and potential impact on wage increases. At the same time, they expressed their determination to take on challenges such as cultivating markets outside the United States and branding Japan’s technological strengths. Through the exchange of opinions in those meetings, I recognized the need not only for measures to mitigate the negative impacts of tariffs, but also to provide support for proactive efforts to turn challenges into opportunities. This week, administrative staff will continue to hold opinion exchange meetings and briefings to gather feedback so that we can further elaborate additional measures that are necessary.

Q: Second, regarding tariffs, the United States and the EU recently released a joint statement outlining the details of tariff measures they agreed on. The United States is said to reduce tariffs on automobiles by 15% on the condition that the EU submits a legislation proposal to eliminate tariffs on U.S. origin industrial goods. In light of these developments, does the Government of Japan have a plan to issue something similar to a joint statement? Please share your views on the government’s response.

A: As for the EU, at this point, we are still carefully examining what impact the joint statement by the United States and the EU may have on Japan. Regarding tariffs on automobiles and automobile parts, we have been strongly urging the U.S. side to lower the tariffs as quickly as possible, and we are working toward the sincere and swift implementation of the agreement. Domestically, we will strive to provide thorough explanations of the current agreement and, while closely monitoring the impacts in a proactive manner, we will consider necessary additional measures, as I mentioned earlier. The Government as a whole will respond to the matter in this manner, and we will continue to take actions under this policy.

Q: I would like to ask a follow-up question. Some media reported that Japan and the United States are coordinating to prepare an agreement document or a joint document regarding the investment aspects of the Japan-U.S. agreement. This was reportedly requested by the U.S. side. Could you confirm whether you are aware of this matter, and whether such a document is being prepared?

A: Regarding a joint document, as we have explained before, no joint document has been prepared between Japan and the United States, considering the fact that the negotiations continued until the last minute, and given the view that our top priority is to implement the Japan-U.S. agreement in a sincere and swift manner. Also, I believe you are probably referring to reports on comments made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick. I am aware of them. However, at this point, I would like to refrain from commenting on the details of U.S. government officials’ remarks or the details of communication between Japan and the U.S. That being said, from Japan’s perspective, I believe we must continue to work toward the sincere and swift implementation of the agreement, by taking measures such as strongly urging the U.S. side to lower tariffs as quickly as possible.