Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

9:57-10:06 a.m.
Friday, September 19, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

VIsit to Malaysia

First, I would like to share an update on my upcoming schedule.

From Tuesday 23 through Thursday 25 of next week, I will be in Malaysia to attend the ASEAN Economic Ministers – Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (AEM-METI) Consultation, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting, and other related sessions. Amid global uncertainty stemming from U.S. tariff measures and other factors, I would like to reaffirm the member countries’ support for a rules-based trading system and discuss ways to further deepen cooperation within the framework of the AEM-METI Consultation.

Question-and-Answer Session

Offshore Wind Power Generation Project

Q: Let me ask you about the offshore wind power generation project. Following Mitsubishi Corporation’s withdrawal, prefectures such as Chiba and Akita, which had been counting on the project, are now calling on the government to continue developing the business environment. How do you plan to address these concerns regarding its future outlook?

A: Yesterday, we received a request from Chiba Prefecture’s Governor Kumagai to further develop the business environment and promptly reopen the public tender to complete the offshore wind power generation project. He also asked that the government urge project operators to fulfill their responsibilities to local communities. In response, I stated the following: METI continues to place unwavering importance on the offshore wind power generation project as part of Japan’s energy policy, despite the withdrawal. To ensure the project’s completion, we will examine the reasons for the withdrawal through the relevant councils and, by around the end of this year, review the business environment, including the bidding system; and based on the views of local communities, we will promptly reopen the public tender for the three relevant sea areas. Furthermore, I assured him that we will continue to monitor the status of Mitsubishi Corporation’s regional coexistence initiatives and support efforts that stay closely engaged with local communities. Since Governor Suzuki of Akita Prefecture is present today, we will seek his feedback and continue our efforts while reflecting the views of local people in Chiba and Akita Prefectures in our work.

Share of Renewable Energy in Total Power Generation

Q: In relation to that issue, let me ask the next question. Currently, the Basic Energy Plan aims to raise the share of renewable energy in total power generation to 40–50% by fiscal year 2040. Nevertheless, as with the offshore wind power generation project, we are seeing cautious attitudes and tighter regulations toward the development of renewable energy facilities, such as the so-called mega solar projects in Fukushima Prefecture and Kushiro City. While offshore wind power and solar power systems are crucial sources of renewable energy, how do you think these trends might affect the goal of achieving a 40–50% share of renewable energy? Could you share your views on how the government plans to reach that target?

A: We recognize that both wind and solar power projects increasingly face various challenges. Regarding the offshore wind power generation project, drawing on the experience of Mitsubishi Corporation, we will examine issues related to the business environment, including the public tender system, to advance its development. We then plan to reopen the public tender for the three sea areas at the earliest opportunity, taking into account local communities’ opinions. As for solar power projects, we will establish inter-ministerial liaison meetings and strengthen collaboration among ministries to further ensure coexistence with local communities in addressing related issues. Furthermore, we will support the development and introduction of perovskite solar cell (PSC) and other next-generation solar power technologies. By taking these necessary measures, we will continue working toward the goal of achieving a 40–50% share of renewable energy in the total power generation mix by 2040.

Response to U.S. Tariff Policy

Q: My questions concern tariff negotiations. On August 15, the U.S. Department of State announced an expansion of the scope of steel and aluminum tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. How do you see the current situation where a range of Japanese manufacturers’ products, including machine tools, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery, have become subject to additional tariffs? In addition, METI’s recent survey on domestic companies revealed concerns about their products’ price competitiveness in the U.S. market and about the lack of transparency in the tariff calculation method. How will METI address these issues? I would like to hear your views on these two points.

A: On Monday, August 18, U.S. time, additional derivative products became subject to the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, which we are well aware of. There are approximately 400 newly added items, including industrial machinery, and the steel- or aluminum-containing components of these products are subject to an additional 50% tariff. As of Monday, September 1, when METI launched an intra-ministerial task force, the calculation method for determining the 50% tariff on the steel- or aluminum-containing components was still unclear. Domestic businesses also expressed concern that, if the relevant parts could not be specifically identified, entire products might be subject to the additional tariff. Subsequently, through the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), we provided companies with information on the calculation method published by the U.S. government, and domestic businesses gradually began to undertake customs procedures. This shows that a clearer understanding of the tariff calculation method has helped ease their concerns and stabilize the situation. That said, it has been only about a month since the U.S. tariff policy was introduced, and the impact on the price competitiveness of Japanese products still needs to be carefully assessed. We will continue to work closely with relevant industries and monitor the consequences of these tariffs.