METI Publishes Advanced Essential Service Efficiency Models
Overview
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will publish advanced demonstration models for improving the efficiency of essential services that support local communities’ living infrastructure, as the “Advanced Demonstration Model Compendium for Essential Service Efficiency.” To mark the launch of the Certified Essential Service System established under the revised Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act, the compendium introduces models based on initiatives by businesses selected for subsidies, enabling operators in wholesale and retail, gas stations, public transport, logistics, and other sectors to visualize specific efficiency-improvement initiatives.
Key points
- The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will publish the “Advanced Demonstration Model Compendium for Essential Service Efficiency.”
- The Certified Essential Service System was established under the revised Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act.
- The compendium covers retail, transport, taxis, medical care, nursing care, and life-related services.
- Seminars on using the system are being held in all 47 prefectures nationwide.
Overview
This compendium brings together advanced demonstration models focused on efficiency improvements to ensure the sustainability of services that support local communities’ living infrastructure. It was created to help businesses visualize specific initiatives for improving operational efficiency as the Certified Essential Service System begins.
The system was established under the revised Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Act promulgated in June 2026 and provides a framework for certifying businesses that pursue efficiency improvements to maintain the supply of essential services.
Impact
Under the Certified Essential Service System, financial and other support will be provided to eligible businesses to maintain the supply of essential services, including wholesale and retail, gas stations, public transport, and logistics.
Details
The compendium was created based on initiatives undertaken by businesses selected for subsidies under the Fiscal Year Reiwa 8 Subsidy Program for Promoting Efficiency in Services Essential for Maintaining Daily Life, which is being implemented ahead of the system’s establishment.
The main contents are “What Is the Certified Essential Service System?”, “Methods for Improving Essential Service Efficiency,” and “Advanced Demonstration Model Compendium: Retail, Transport, Taxis, Medical Care, Nursing Care, and Life-Related Services.” Details of the initiatives can be found in the model compendium in the related materials.
To prepare for the system’s launch, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is holding “Seminars on Using the Certified Essential Service System” in all 47 prefectures nationwide. In some prefectures, businesses featured in the compendium will also speak at the seminars.