Koji Sato
Chairman
Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) views the outcome of the election on February 8, 2026 for Japan’s House of Representatives (i.e., the Lower House) as a clear expression of the public’s strong expectations that the Takaichi administration will advance key policies aimed at achieving a strong economy, strengthening security, and enhancing cooperation with countries across the globe.

We hope that the ruling coalition, bolstered by the firm governing foundation secured through this election, will steadily and without delay implement policies and measures to promote robust economic growth and ensure the stability of the international order, thereby meeting the expectations of the public. To this end, we respectfully request that utmost efforts be made towards the early enactment of the budget for fiscal year 2026 (beginning April 1st this year) as well as the bill related to tax reform.

Amid rapidly changing international circumstances, Japan’s automotive industry is facing an extremely challenging environment. More than ever, it is essential for the industry to unite and advance its global competitiveness.

Primarily through initiatives taken in relation to JAMA’s newly updated “Seven Priority Challenges for the Automotive Industry” (enumerated below), we will work in close cooperation with the government and relevant industries to accelerate the pace of their practical implementation and contribute to the buoyancy of the national economy.

1. Securing the stable procurement of critical resources and components
2. Implementing a multi-pathway approach to achieving carbon neutrality
3. Building mechanisms for a circular economy
4. Strengthening human resources and their foundational role
5. Creating transportation systems premised on the integration of automated driving
6. Promoting fundamental reform of automobile-related tax systems
7. Enhancing competitiveness across the entire supply chain

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