New METI chief wants Japan to take lead in self-driving tech

Hiroshige Seko, the new head of the Minister of Economy, Trade And Industry, says the government needs to implement policies that will help the Japanese automotive industry keep its lead in the global arena by developing advanced autonomous driving technologies ahead of overseas competitors. "The internet of things, artificial intelligence and self-driving technologies are very important for Japan," Seko said in a recent interview. Asked if the government can achieve its targets for nuclear power and renewable energy included in the country's best energy mix for fiscal 2030, which was adopted by METI in July 2015, Seko offered assurances that nuclear plant safety measures tightened under the new standards introduced in July 2013 are sufficient, and that the Nuclear Regulation Authority conducts rigorous safety screenings regardless of government policy. It is important for the government to fully explain that detailed disaster management and evacuation plans have been laid out, said Seko, who took up his ministerial post in the Aug. 3 Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The energy mix sets Japan's reliance on nuclear power in the year to March 2031 at 20 to 22 percent and that on solar, wind and other renewable energy at 22 to 24 percent. The nuclear safety standards were drawn up based on lessons from the March 2011 crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant.