Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

10:55-11:04 a.m.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

Closing of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

Yesterday, the closing ceremony of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai was held, marking the end of the 184-day event. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude not only to all the visitors, but also to everyone involved, for enabling us to conclude the Expo successfully. The cumulative number of visitors exceeded 28 million, and the cumulative number of tickets sold surpassed 22 million. Regarding the operating balance, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition expects a surplus of 23 to 28 billion yen. Although there were various challenges and troubles, we addressed each issue in a steadfast manner, and I feel that many people were satisfied as a result. With no major accidents, the Expo turned out to be a wonderful event and a great success. Amid frequent global conflicts and divisions, this was a valuable opportunity to feel connected with other countries. Business interaction and demonstrations of next-generation technologies were also highly successful, and we were able to inspire children’s dreams. We achieved many wonderful outcomes, and we will continue thorough discussions to ensure these achievements are carried forward as legacies for future generations and future Expos.

Visit to Malaysia

If circumstances permit, I will visit Malaysia from Thursday the 16th to the 18th of this week to participate in the ministerial meeting of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) as co-chair. I myself attended the summit meeting last year, and this year marks the third year of AZEC. Amid increasing global uncertainty, expectations from ASEAN toward Japan are higher than ever, and it is important to demonstrate progress in order to meet those expectations. At this meeting, I plan to report on individual newly formed projects, such as biofuels and decarbonization in the industrial sector and report on transition finance jointly developed with international organizations, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB). I will also engage in discussions with participating countries to deepen relevant initiatives. Through a realistic energy transition, Japan aims to contribute to ASEAN’s decarbonization and demonstrate its consistent stance, while promoting closer ties with ASEAN nations.

Question-and-Answer Session

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station

Q: Regarding the restart of TEPCO’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station, municipalities within the Urgent Protective action planning Zone (UPZ) recently submitted requests to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and others, including the development of evacuation routes and a review of the areas eligible for grants under the Three Acts for Power Development. What is your response to these requests?

A: On Friday, the 10th of last week, State Minister Ogushi met with representatives from municipalities within the UPZ of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station. During the meeting, we received requests concerning the thorough implementation and enhancement of safety measures, the development of evacuation routes, and a review of the grant system under the Three Acts for Power Development. We recognize that these requests are all important and reflect the actual conditions within the local communities. We intend to take them seriously. As I have mentioned previously, at the ministerial meeting on nuclear energy held at the end of August, we had already presented our policy approach that addressed some of these requests. We plan to provide careful explanations to local residents through various opportunities, including the upcoming session at the Niigata Prefectural Assembly on Thursday, October 16 and including explanations related to the remaining requests. We will continue our efforts to gain understanding from the local communities toward the restart of the plant.