Press Conference by Minister Akazawa (Excerpt)

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

9:38 to 9:53 a.m.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
In front of the Cabinet Room, 2nd floor, National Diet Building

Opening Remarks

Financial support provided by government-affiliated financial institutions based on the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia

Last week, Prime Minister Takaichi made an announcement on the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia, or POWERR Asia at the Asia Zero Emission Community Plus (AZEC+) online summit, and the countries participating in the meeting greatly welcomed it. Based on the Partnership, Japanese government-affiliated financial institutions, such as the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI), have started to provide financial support for the procurement of crude oil and oil-based products and the maintenance of supply chains in Asia. Going forward, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will post details of the financial institutions’ measures and relevant contact information on its official website, while supporting the structuring of individual specific projects. We will continue our effort to enhance the resilience of Asia’s supply chains, thereby ensuring Japan’s stable procurement of critical materials.

Proposal to conduct a literature survey on the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste on Minamitorishima Island, Ogasawara Village, Tokyo

On Monday, April 20, we received a written response from Mr. Shibuya Masaaki, Mayor of Ogasawara Village, concerning our proposal of a literature survey on Minamitorishima Island. We proposed that a literature survey be conducted on the island without receiving an application for such a survey by the local government, and I would like to express my gratitude once again for the sincere response of citizens of Ogasawara Village to the proposal. Mayor Shibuya’s reply reflects various opinions of Ogasawara citizens, and the national government takes this seriously. This afternoon, I will meet the mayor to listen to his opinions and to communicate the decision made by the government.

Cabinet decision on the FY2026 basic policy on governmental contracts with SMEs

Today, based on the Act on Ensuring the Receipt of Orders from the Government and Other Public Agencies by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, the cabinet made a decision on the FY2026 basic policy on governmental and other public contracts with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).The policy requires that 1) the government side reflect the latest market prices in their price setting process to ensure appropriate price pass-through and fair transactions; 2) prices not be set unilaterally during price negotiations; and 3) that contracts be appropriately amended in consideration of the situational changes that occur after the contracts are signed. We will work to ensure that these requirements will be met by the regional branches and bureaus of the national government, incorporated administrative agencies, local governments and all other public organizations. The administrative staff will provide further details.

Question-and-Answer Session

Ministerial Council on the Circular Economy

Q: At the meeting of the Ministerial Council on the Circular Economy held this morning, it was proposed that the public and private sectors collaborate for plastic recycling, as listed in the circular economy plan. Could you share relevant background information and the importance of listing this in the plan?

A: At the meeting of the Ministerial Council on the Circular Economy held this morning, we made a circular economy action plan. As the core of this plan, we formulated the metal recycling promotion strategy, which shows the supply targets for recycled materials toward 2030 concerning iron, aluminum, copper, permanent magnets, other base metals and critical materials. We regard this strategy as an important initiative that contributes to GX and the enhancement of Japan’s economic security and are currently focused on its success. The administrative staff will brief on the details later.

Outlook for the procurement of alternative supplies by the national government amid the situation in the Middle East

Q: The outcome of U.S.-Iran talks is difficult to predict, and you are proceeding with the procurement of alternative supplies. Could you tell us whether or not the plan to secure alternative oil supplies to cover the majority of domestic demand by May will be modified due to the aggravation of the situation in the Middle East?

A: Japan is monitoring related movements, including the outcome of ceasefire talks with grave concern. As Prime Minister Takaichi and Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs have said, what is of utmost importance is to bring the situation under control as soon as possible, including ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. I truly hope that the United States and Iran will resume bilateral talks to reach a final agreement through diplomacy.