Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

11:47-11:55 a.m.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Actions to address the U.S. tariff policy

Q: I would like to ask you one question about the U.S. tariff policy. Yesterday, METI’s Task Force for U.S. Tariffs reported on numerous concerns from regional small and medium enterprises about the impact of U.S. tariffs. In addition, the timing of the reduction of automobile tariffs is still unclear. Could you tell us your current understanding of the impact of U.S. tariffs and the need for future measures?

A: As you just mentioned, yesterday METI held the Seventh Task Force for U.S. Tariffs. We have reviewed business performance forecasts and statistical figures and have also organized and compiled the feedback we received from opinion exchanges and dialogues with a total of approximately 7,800 people that were held up to the end of August.

We feel that the impact of U.S. tariff measures is becoming apparent, particularly in the automobile industry. There have also been growing concerns about whether tariffs can be passed on to prices, and whether, if they are passed on, sales volume and revenues may decrease. There have also been comments that it is uncertain whether wage increases and price pass-throughs can continue. I feel strongly that we need to take these opinions seriously and take appropriate measures.

On the other hand, there are also efforts underway to turn challenges into opportunities, such as developing new markets and products with higher added value. I believe that the Government of Japan must provide strong support for these proactive activities.

As for measures going forward, we will continue to request the United States to revise the executive order regarding reciprocal tariffs and to issue an executive order to reduce tariffs on automobiles and automobile parts. We would also like to work with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to provide the latest information on tariff measures. METI’s budgetary request and tax reform request for the next fiscal year include budget increases and tax systems to address the impact of U.S. tariff measures. For example, we would like to provide cash flow support, strengthen guidance systems to ensure fair transaction practices, support mid-sized enterprises and small and medium enterprises in developing sales channels, provide accompanying support to automobile parts suppliers, and review automobile taxation. We would like to proceed with discussions within the Government of Japan to ensure that these will be certainly realized. We will continue to analyze the impact, and if an agile response is required, we will prepare it and move forward with a swift response.

Corporate Consortium including Mitsubishi Corporation Withdraws from Offshore Wind Power Generation Projects

Q: I would like to ask you about a public call for large-scale offshore wind power generation projects. Following Mitsubishi Corporation's withdrawal, President Nakanishi visited the local communities and I believe there are various requests are being made. Under the circumstances, could you tell us what kind of support measures you think will be necessary when a public call is announced once again, and are you currently considering the timing of announcing a public call?

A: Regarding the schedule for offshore wind power generation projects, we will hold statutory council meetings in Akita and Chiba prefectures in the near future. I have previously stated that I would like Mitsubishi Corporation to sincerely listen to the voices of local stakeholders and take all possible measures to address the issues. The Government of Japan also intends to respond carefully to inquiries from local governments and business entities.

Regarding the issue of the offshore wind power generation project, the relevant council will first promptly verify the factors that led to Mitsubishi Corporation’s withdrawal. Based on this, while taking into account the fairness of the public call, we will consider how to improve the business environment from the perspective of supporting the realization of offshore wind power generation projects, and will implement a review of the public call system. After that, taking into account the intentions of the local communities, we will announce a public call for the three domestic sea areas as soon as possible so that the offshore wind power generation projects can be completed.

Restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station

Q: Recently, a policy was announced to expand the scope of the relevant act* which stipulates financial support for local governments nearby nuclear power stations, from within 10 kilometers of nuclear power stations to approximately 30 kilometers. I believe this is based on the intention of local governments, particularly in Niigata Prefecture, where nuclear power generation facilities are located. I think this may be a certain condition for restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station. I would like to know the Government of Japan's current thoughts about regarding the restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, taking into account the fact that such policy was announced.

*The Act on Special Measures for the Development of Areas Around Nuclear Power Generation Facilities

A: The Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Energy held last week confirmed the policy of steadily advancing regional development measures, including broadening support for infrastructure development by expanding the areas covered by the relevant act, and of steadily advancing development measures and disaster prevention measures that take into account local requests, such as the development of evacuation routes. Also, TEPCO expressed its intention to contribute to revitalizing local economies. Going forward, we will work to specify individual initiatives in line with the policy of the Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Energy while engaging in dialogue with local communities.