Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

11:23–11:31 a.m.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

Support for Small and Medium Enterprises Following the Minimum Wage Hike

Last week, on Friday, September 5, the Regional Minimum Wages Councils in all prefectures compiled their recommendations. The minimum wage is set at an unprecedentedly high level, and it is important for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to provide strong support to small and medium enterprises and small enterprises so that they can respond to such wage increases. First, in order to secure funds for wage increases, we will ensure that companies can secure sufficient cash resources through strengthening price pass-through measures that have been implemented to date by steadily enforcing the relevant act.* We will also provide support such as a sustainability subsidy to small enterprises that are likely to be affected by the minimum wage hike. In addition, based on the latest minimum wage decision, we will take measures such as relaxing the requirements for special exceptions to increase the subsidy rate for manufacturing subsidies and giving priority to such exceptions. Furthermore, it is important to establish a mechanism that enables small and medium enterprises and small enterprises facing various challenges to realize that there are methods of increase their “Growth Power,” and to put them into practice. Through push-type, meticulous approaches by chambers of commerce and industry, we will help small and medium enterprises and small enterprises raise their awareness of how to improve productivity. In addition, we will have specialized management support institutions such as the Yorozu general support station recognize the current situation of small and medium enterprises and small enterprises, thereby providing consultative support while working closely with them. We will continue to work in cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies to create an environment conducive to wage increases. The administrative staff will provide a detailed briefing.

* Act against Delay in Payment of Subcontract Proceeds, etc. to Subcontractors

Question-and-Answer Session

Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru's Resignation Announcement and Its Impact on Actions to Address the U.S. Tariff Policy

Q: Could you tell us about the impact of Prime Minister Ishiba's resignation, including whether it will delay necessary measures such as providing support to businesses affected by high U.S. tariffs?

A: Earlier this morning, a meeting of the Comprehensive Response Headquarters for U.S. Tariff Measures was held. As Prime Minister Ishiba also mentioned, and as I have said before, since April, the Government of Japan has been providing cash flow support at 1,000 special consultation counters across Japan. To date, we have received a total of approximately 2,100 consultations. The total number of loans and guarantees approved has reached approximately 730 cases. I would like you to understand that support for affected businesses is already underway. Furthermore, in the emergency response package compiled by the entire Government of Japan in April, the decision has been made to consider additional measures, such as lowering interest rates, if it is found to be necessary after assessing the situation, and I understand that necessary measures will be taken regardless of Prime Minister Ishiba's announcement of his resignation. In addition, as I mentioned earlier, we conducted intensive explanations and dialogues during August, and the Government of Japan as a whole has provided explanations and held dialogues with over 10,000 business operators in total. Based on the opinions we have had received, METI included actions to address the impact of the U.S. tariff measures in the ministry’s budget and tax system reform requests for FY2026. We are also preparing to respond if more flexible measures become necessary. In this way, the Government of Japan has been taking measures to respond to the impact of the U.S. tariff measures identified to date, but in any case, I believe it is important that necessary measures can be taken according to a given situation. We will continue to assess the impact of the U.S. tariff measures and take prompt measures if additional measures are necessary so that we can avoid causing anxiety to business operators.