Translation guide
The Japanese equivalent is a specific government title. This entry explains how to refer to this position in Japanese, including the formal title and contextual usage.
経済産業大臣
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
Referring to the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in official contexts
This is the standard formal title for the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan. Use this in news, official documents, and formal speech.
経済産業大臣が会見を行った。
The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry held a press conference.
An abbreviated form commonly used in news headlines and informal speech. It is widely understood but less formal than the full title.
経産大臣が新しい政策を発表した。
The METI Minister announced a new policy.
Mentioning the minister when the context is already clear
In Japanese, it is common to refer to the minister by their surname followed by the title 大臣 (だいじん). For example, if the minister's name is Tanaka, you would say 田中大臣 (たなか だいじん). This is polite and clear.
田中大臣は今日の会議に出席します。
Minister Tanaka will attend today's meeting.
Once the specific ministry is established, you can simply say 大臣 (だいじん) to refer to the minister. This is natural in conversation.
大臣はその質問に答えなかった。
The minister did not answer that question.
Referring to the ministry itself rather than the minister
This is the name of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Use this when talking about the organization, not the person.
経済産業省は新しい規制を導入した。
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry introduced new regulations.
Abbreviation for the ministry, commonly used in news and conversation.
In Japanese news, 経産大臣 (けいさんだいじん) and 経産省 (けいさんしょう) are frequently used as shorthand. These are acceptable in most contexts except very formal documents.
経産省の職員と話した。
I spoke with an official from METI.