Press Conference by Minister Akazawa (Excerpt)

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

5:50-6:05 p.m.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Visit to the Japan Mobility Show and discussions with representatives of the automobile industry

Q: You visited the Japan Mobility Show yesterday. During the visit, you had an opportunity to hold discussions with representatives from the automotive industry. Could you share your impressions from those conversations, and perhaps touch on topics such as semiconductor supply that may have come up? Also, what are your plans for addressing these matters going forward?

A: Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit the Japan Mobility Show. Compared with the days of the old Tokyo Motor Show, not only automobile manufacturers but also a variety of companies, including other industries and startups, participate in the show. We can see not only cutting-edge cars but also a broader picture of the future of mobility. Since mobility is like society itself, it has become an event where you can experience a broader picture of the future of society, Japanese society, compared with the Tokyo Motor Show. The Japan Mobility Show not only attracts car enthusiasts but also makes a wider range of people interested in the event. I had been under the impression that the event was being overshadowed by Chinese motor shows in terms of scale, but I was very pleased to see that the Japan Mobility Show is developing in a very impressive and wonderful direction. At the exhibition, I was able to see cutting-edge businesses such as startups working on autonomous driving technology that could help solve social issues such as driver shortages, and decarbonization technology.　Seeing companies taking on the challenge of succeeding in international competition while looking to the future of a new mobility industry that goes beyond automobiles, I felt reassured and want to support such efforts.　One company that was very interesting was Mizuno, a sports goods manufacturer that uses technology to develop prosthetic arms and legs for para-athletes. The company invented a special carbon fiber spring attached to the bottom of sneakers, which reduces muscular effort when walking by 20 to 30 percent, allowing people to walk farther with ease. I actually tried the sneakers on, and it was a very exciting experience.

During the discussions with representatives from the automotive industry, I was briefed on strategies to increase competitiveness amid major changes such as Green Transformation (GX) and Digital Transformation (DX), the impact of U.S. tariffs, supply chains, wage increases, capital investment, and other issues. As the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), we will do our utmost to support the automobile industry, one of Japan's core industries, so that it can overcome these challenges and continue to be a key industry that leads wage increases and domestic investment. Specifically, we would like to work together with everyone in the automotive industry to respond flexibly to the impact of tariffs, to ensure a stable supply of rare earths and semiconductors, to revitalize the domestic market by reviewing vehicle taxation, to achieve results and change the world.

Nexperia product export restrictions issue

Q: In connection with the previous question, I would like to ask you about the issue of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned semiconductor company based in the Netherlands. Due to the export restriction on Chinese Nexperia, Japanese automakers are also being affected in terms of production, but it has been reported that Chinese authorities have recently indicated their intention to resume exports under certain conditions. I would like to ask you about your view on this current situation, and also about whether there was any exchange of information with representatives from the automotive industry about the Nexperia issue at the Japan Mobility Show yesterday. If so, could you share the details of the exchange?

A: The export restrictions imposed by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce concerning Nexperia's Chinese subsidiary are having a major impact on global supply chains, including the automobile industry. For this reason, on October 30, I expressed my strong concerns to my counterpart, China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, and requested that he take appropriate measures. I understand that on Saturday, November 1, after the meeting between the leaders of the U.S. and China, the Chinese government announced that it will grant exemptions to exports that meet certain conditions. Going forward, I will be closely monitoring whether supplies to Japanese industries will actually resume smoothly. During yesterday's discussions with representatives from the automotive industry, we exchanged opinions on the importance of addressing supply chain issues broadly, including rare earths and semiconductors.

Headquarters for Japan’s Growth Strategy

Q: I would like to ask you about the Headquarters for Japan’s Growth Strategy meeting that was held today. I understand that you have been appointed as the minister in charge of AI, semiconductors, resources, energy security, and GX. I believe Prime Minister Takaichi mentioned that she would like to see a public-private roadmap formulated that specifies the investment content, timing, and target amount. However, METI already has the Framework for Strengthening the AI and Semiconductor Industrial Infrastructure with 10 trillion yen in public support and 50 trillion yen in public-private investment for AI and semiconductors, and a 10-year public-private investment plan worth 150 trillion yen and GX strategy for the GX sector. I think there may already be a way to replace the public-private roadmap. Will METI formulate a new roadmap that is separate from the existing one, or will METI update the existing one? Could you tell us how and by when METI will examine this matter? If anything has been decided at this point, please let us know.

A: Today, the Prime Minister instructed us at the Headquarters for Japan’s Growth Strategy meeting to formulate a public-private investment roadmap that will include measures to improve initial predictability for each strategic field, such as commitment to budgetary measures over multiple years, support for defense procurement and regulatory reform according to each phase from research and development to overseas expansion, as well as a review of existing systems. Regarding the areas you mentioned, such as AI, semiconductors, and GX, the framework has already been established, as you pointed out. This includes funding arrangements. Plans have already been drawn up, including setting specific investment targets, and steps have already been taken to accelerate policy implementation. In a sense, I think METI has been ahead in these areas. I think it is important to steadily advance existing plans first. Then, based on today’s instructions from the Prime Minister, we will deepen our consideration, including whether there are any additional points of discussion, and create a concrete roadmap.