Prime Minister Kishida mentioned MSJ in Diet!

 The 208th National Diet of Japan (Regular Session), House of Representatives, Budget Committee (February 7, 2022)

[Atsushi Oshima, Member of the House of Representatives, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (Saitama Ward 6)]

I still think it is important not to stop.  We have been able to create an industrial base for this in the space industry. As for the aerospace industry, this will make it possible to hire employees such as researchers in the companies have researchers even in the future.

And now, in the aviation industry that Japan has been cultivated, I am afraid that the aviation industry of commercial jet aircraft may end here unfortunately. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) is responsible for the type certification. It is very important. If Japan obtains type certification, we can sell aircraft in the United States. We have secured personnel for this purpose, and private companies have also probably spent a great deal of money for this purpose.

The question is, can we really afford a setback here? I don't think we will ever be able to have an aviation industry in Japan again if we set back. I think that  the world is not so critical of the development of private jets, even if they are funded by the government, as is the case with semiconductors. So, how will the government think about this point in the future? The bottom line is that the electrification of automobiles means that there will be no more parts manufacturers. The fact that there is an aerospace industry means that parts manufacturers will continue to exist. Please let me ask the Prime Minister about his opinion on this point.

[Prime Minister Kishida]

The aircraft industry, as you pointed out, has been greatly affected by the new Corona, but we recognize that it is an important industry with high technological capabilities and a broad base, and that sustainable growth is expected in the medium to long term.

The Mitsubishi Space Jet, as you pointed out, is a project that we have been working on, with the private sector developing the airframe, and the government developing elemental technologies and establishing an environment for safety inspections system, etc.

Although development activities are currently at a standstill due to the severe business environment, we will continue to improve the business environment and support the resumption of development based on the recognition that the business building the complete aircraft  is an important initiative for the development of the Japanese aircraft industry.

At the same time, with an eye on the future after Corona, we will actively support the development of composite materials, hydrogen engines, and other technologies necessary for the development of next-generation aircraft by utilizing the Green Innovation Fund.