Press Conference by Minister Akazawa (Excerpt)

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

11:07–11:17 a.m.
Friday, January 23, 2026
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

Prompt implementation of the FY2025 supplementary budget

Regarding the prompt implementation of the FY2025 supplementary budget enacted at the end of last year, Prime Minister Takaichi gave us instructions reflecting her earnest and powerful desire to ensure its swift and proper execution. In response to the Prime Minister’s instructions, the entire Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has been making every effort to ensure the earliest possible budget execution and to proactively communicate these measures to the public. This morning, we held the second ministry meeting on this matter, once again directly confirming the status of early execution. As a result, of the 157 supplementary budget projects, 155 are expected to open to public applications within the current fiscal year (by March), which is 99% in terms of the number of projects. As the figure for the last year was 85%, this means that we have achieved a pace that far exceeds the execution of last year's supplementary budget. We intend to swiftly protect people's livelihoods from rising prices and move forward with crisis-management investments and growth investments. Reflecting Prime Minister Takaichi’s strong sense of urgency to deliver support to the public and businesses without delay, we will continue to make every effort to ensure the prompt implementation of the supplementary budget. In that sense, there is no political vacuum, as has been widely bandied about. Through the supplementary budget, we have taken all necessary measures to address rising prices, the most pressing concern for the public, and are working to ensure its swift execution. Although it may not be my place to say so, I firmly believe that the notion of a political vacuum, as suggested in some quarters, is entirely unfounded.

Publication of an order-placing companies list regarding the September 2025 Price Negotiation Promotion Month

Today, we will publish a list of order-placing companies regarding the Price Negotiation Promotion Month held in September last year. There are signs of improvement for many companies in their transaction status, yet some companies are still receiving unfavorable assessments. In particular, with regard to public procurement, the fact that some local governments have received the lowest rating for the first time makes it clear that urgent action is needed. I would like to take this opportunity to ask all order-placing companies on the list to take the assessment given by their counterparts seriously and make further efforts to improve their transactions. METI will persistently implement measures to ensure price pass-through and fair transaction practices, through strict enforcement of the Act on the Optimization of Transactions for Small and Medium-sized Entrusted Business Operators, which came into effect in January, and the Act on Promotion of Entrusted Small and Medium-sized Businesses, as well as by promoting the use of the recently expanded grants to local regions for prioritized assistance. Please ask the administrative staff for more details.