[Title] MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION, Regarding Shipbuilding Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the United States of America

MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION

Regarding Shipbuilding Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the United States of America

The Government of Japan, represented by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for the purposes of Shipbuilding, and the Government of the United States of America, represented by the Department of Commerce (hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Participants");

Recognizing that a strong and innovative shipbuilding industry is vital to the economic security, strength, and competitiveness of the maritime sector, as well as to the industrial resilience of both nations;

Emphasizing the shared interest of both Participants in expanding their shipbuilding capacity to preserve fair competition and address structural imbalances arising from market concentration;

Affirming their intention to advance bilateral cooperation in a mutually beneficial manner through this partnership,

Have reached the following recognition:

I: Establishment of Japan-U.S. Shipbuilding Working Group

1. Japan and the United States are to establish a Japan-U.S. Shipbuilding Working Group to foster cooperation in shipbuilding and maritime industrial development.

II: Areas of Cooperation

The Working Group is to focus on the following priorities:

1. Expansion of Japan-U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity

- Through partnerships between Japanese and U.S. companies, the exchange of best practices to enhance competitiveness and efficiency, and strategic investment to modernize shipyards.

2. Facilitation of Investment in the U.S. Maritime Industrial Base

- Through identification of investment opportunities.

3. Supporting Vessel Demand for Market Economies

- Through clarification of both governments' policies influencing demand for public and private vessels important for the economic security of Japan and the United States. Both countries should explore interoperable technical specifications for improved production compatibility.

4. Workforce Development

- Through enhanced education and training for the Japanese and U.S. shipyard workforces, consistency in training and educational programs, and the development of new talent pipelines into the industry.

5. Technological Innovation

- Through development and adoption of advanced technologies, including digital solutions and advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g. artificial intelligence, robotics) at Japanese and U.S. shipyards, and through improvements in advanced vessel design and functionality.

III. Legal Character

This Memorandum of Cooperation (hereinafter "MOC") does not constitute nor create legally binding rights and obligations under respective domestic agreements and laws of either Japan or the United States or under international law. Nothing in this MOC is intended to alter or affect any existing agreements between the Participants. Cooperation under this MOC is intended to take place in accordance with the Participants' respective laws and regulations. Nothing in this MOC commits the Participants to the expenditure of funds.

IV. Discontinuation

This MOC becomes operative upon signature by both Participants. Either Participant may discontinue this MOC by providing written notice of discontinuation to the other Participant. The discontinuation is expected to commence on a date mutually determined by the Participants or, if the Participants cannot mutually determine a date, 180 days after the date on which notice of discontinuation is delivered.

The foregoing represents the recognition reached between the Participants on the matters referred to in this MOC.

Signed at Tokyo on October 28, 2025, in duplicate, in the English language.

KANEKO Yasushi
Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan

Howard Lutnick