Press Conference by Minister Akazawa (Excerpt)

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

11:24-11:46 a.m.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

Visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE

I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. To begin, I would like to mention one point. From Saturday, January 10, to Thursday, January 15, I will visit Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In Saudi Arabia, I will participate in the Japan-Saudi Arabia Ministerial Investment Forum, and in the UAE, I will participate in the World Future Energy Summit (WFES). I am also scheduled to hold meetings with ministers who are responsible for energy and the economy. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are Japan’s most important partner countries in terms of ensuring energy security. Amid the unstable international situation, including the incident in Venezuela, I would like to encourage these countries to stabilize crude oil supplies to Japan and the international crude oil market. In addition, I would like to strengthen economic relations in a wide range of fields, including GX, space, and content, which are important strategic areas for crisis management investment, which is at the heart of the Takaichi Cabinet's growth strategy.

Question-and-Answer Session

The Chinese government's ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan

Q: I would like to ask you about the Chinese government's ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan. On January 6, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan. There is a possibility that imports of rare earths and other products will be affected, and on a television program on January 7, you said that the impact is currently being carefully examined. Could you share the latest analysis with us? Furthermore, I believe Japan is expected to urge China to withdraw the export ban. As Minister, what steps will you take in engaging with China to have the measure lifted?

A: As Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara has already stated, the position of Japan, or rather the Government of Japan, is that the recent export ban, which targets only Japan, clearly deviates from international practice, and is completely unacceptable and extremely regrettable. On Tuesday, January 6, Japan registered a strong protest to China through various channels, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and requested that the export ban be withdrawn. We intend to take the necessary measures, working in close coordination with the United States, the G7, and other relevant partners, in a resolute and calm manner. As there are still many unclear points regarding the content of the export ban, including the targets of the measures, I do not believe I can comment at this point on the impact they will have on Japanese industry, but we are continuing our examination and analysis. Furthermore, from the perspective of economic security, it is necessary to build a resilient supply chain that avoids excessive dependence on specific countries for important materials. In this regard, the FY2025 supplementary budget and the FY2026 draft initial budget include support for ensuring a stable supply of important minerals and diversifying supply sources, and we intend to steadily advance these efforts.

U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Trump administration's tariff policy

Q: I would like to ask you about the U.S. tariff measures. It is said that the U.S. Supreme Court may rule the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration as unconstitutional as early as January 9 (U.S. time). A reciprocal tariff of 15% is currently imposed on Japan, but as there is a possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court may order the refund of the amount that has been collected to date, could you share your view on the matter? In addition, a Consultation Committee meeting based on the Japan-U.S. tariff agreement was held on January 7, and I would like to ask you about whether discussions will continue even if such a ruling is issued.

A: First of all, I am of course aware of the developments surrounding the lawsuit you mentioned regarding the U.S. tariff measures. However, since the Supreme Court has not yet issued its ruling, I would like to refrain from answering questions based on hypothetical scenarios. Having said that, generally speaking, developments related to the U.S. tariff measures could have a significant impact on Japan’s economy, and we will continue to closely monitor related developments, assess the implications thoroughly, and respond appropriately. You mentioned something related to a lawsuit which would include a refund, but this case is essentially about whether the U.S. President or the U.S. government has the authority to impose tariffs, and whether that authority is legitimate. The reciprocal tariffs, as well as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the statute cited as their legal basis, are indeed being contested. However, there are of course other statutory grounds under which tariffs can be imposed, and in fact tariffs on automobiles are imposed under different authorities. For these and other reasons, it remains uncertain in many respects how the court will ultimately rule. As it is also uncertain how the U.S. government will react as a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling, I would like to say that it would be very difficult to answer the question you asked.

Based on what I have just said, I would like to refrain from answering any questions about the impact on the Strategic Investment Initiative between the Japanese and U.S. governments, as this is a hypothetical question. This investment initiative is not a framework in which Japan simply offers concessions at its own expense in exchange for the U.S. government lowering tariffs. Rather, it is a strategic initiative through which Japan and the United States recognize each other as special partners in fields that are vital to economic security and work together to build a resilient supply chain that benefits both sides. It will, of course, generate significant advantages for Japanese companies and for Japan as a whole. Therefore, we would like to continue to work steadily towards the goal of developing projects that will promote mutual benefits between Japan and the United States, ensure economic security, and significantly promote Japan's economic growth.

Consultation Committee on the Japan-U.S. Strategic Investment Initiative

Q: I would also like to ask, in relation to the previous question, what was discussed at the Japan-U.S. Consultative Committee held on the night of January 7. Has there been any progress toward developing the first project? Thank you.

A: First, I also attended the ministerial-level consultation committee meeting held at the end of December last year. I also held various discussions with Secretary of Commerce Lutnick, and we exchanged views on various projects, and the ministers agreed to accelerate coordination so that the first project under the Strategic Investment Initiative can be announced as soon as possible. A meeting of the working-level consultation committee was also held online on Wednesday, January 7 (Japan time). We confirmed that Japan and the United States will continue to work together to develop projects in line with the policy agreed upon between the ministers. Given that our discussions with the United States and the specifics of the projects involve diplomatic sensitivities and may also touch on the names of individual companies, I will refrain from disclosing further details at this time. However, we will continue to work diligently to advance the coordination necessary for project development.

Import of Russian natural gas

Q: I would like to ask you about Russian natural gas. While the EU, which had been highly dependent on Russia, has decided to phase out its imports, Japan has continued its imports from the Sakhalin II project following the extension of a U.S. waiver on embargo measures. I would like to ask about the Japanese government’s position on whether these imports will continue and, if so, the reasons for doing so. Thank you.

A: I am aware that the EU has taken additional measures to reduce imports of Russian natural gas. It is also true that Japan has been steadily lowering its dependence on Russian energy. As you may know, a comparison of import levels between 2021 and 2024 shows that imports of crude oil and coal have fallen by more than 90 percent, while LNG imports have declined by over 10 percent. On the other hand, securing LNG from overseas, including Russian natural gas, is extremely important for Japan's energy security. With respect to future imports, for precisely these reasons, we intend to respond appropriately by working in close coordination with the international community, including the G7, and by making a comprehensive assessment of what measures will be effective in achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as what action is necessary to safeguard Japan’s national interests.