Press Conference by Minister Akazawa (Excerpt)

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

9:31-9:44 a.m.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Participation in U.S. e-methane project

Q: It was just announced that three companies, including Osaka Gas and Toho Gas, will participate in a project in the United States aiming for mass production of e-methane. The intention is to export the produced e-methane to Japan, and I believe this will be included in the annual seven-billion-dollar import of U.S. energy as stipulated in the Japan-U.S. agreement related to the tariff measures. Could you share your thoughts on this matter and explain what benefits or significance this project has for Japan? Thank you.

A: Regarding the e-methane project you mentioned, I understand that Osaka Gas, Toho Gas, and ITOCHU Corporation will invest and participate in collaboration with France’s TotalEnergies and others. I believe the parties involved are announcing their collaboration as we speak. Details are expected to be reported at the Public-Private Council for the Promotion of Methanation, scheduled for today, Tuesday, December 2, at 10:00 a.m. The government has set a target in the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan to introduce synthetic methane and other gases amounting to about 1% of total gas supply by fiscal year 2030, and we expect businesses to steadily pursue various strategies toward achieving that target. That said, I will refrain from commenting on the relationship between an individual corporate project and the Japan-U.S. agreement. However, as a general matter, we recognize that this project contributes to deepening energy cooperation between Japan and the United States. Regarding the Japan-U.S. agreement, we will work with the U.S. side to implement the agreement faithfully and promptly, aiming to promote mutual benefits, expand cooperation for economic security, and foster Japan’s economic growth.

Situation in Myanmar

Q: I’d like to ask about supply chains. In building a robust supply chain, Southeast Asia is an extremely important region for Japan. One country in that region is Myanmar, which is heading toward a general election planned for the turn of the year. In recent years, the influence of the military within the country has grown, and economically, Myanmar’s dependence on China seems to be increasing significantly. In particular, exports of rare earths from Myanmar to China continue to rise. From the perspective of economic security and ensuring a flexible and resilient supply chain, how do you view this situation? Also, considering China’s growing influence, do you think Japan should resume or strengthen support and assistance to Myanmar, or encourage Japanese companies to enter the market again? Thank you.

A: Regarding the situation in Myanmar, more than four and a half years have passed since the coup in February 2021, and there are still no signs of improvement in the situation. The Japanese government’s firm position is that the Myanmar military should take concrete actions to immediately stop the violence, release those detained including Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, and restore a democratic political system as soon as possible. METI will also respond appropriately in line with the government’s policy. As you pointed out, as an objective fact, Myanmar is the world’s third-largest producer of rare earths, after China and the United States, and in that sense, it is indeed a major player in the rare earth market, which is currently attracting attention. From that perspective, we recognize Myanmar as a country of considerable importance. Nevertheless, what we are aware of at this point is that it has been announced that a general election will be held by January next year. We will continue to closely monitor developments going forward.