Emily Walker
The newly formed US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by President-elect Donald Trump, is already capturing the attention of Japan in the Asia-Pacific area. The Japanese government is keen to learn about the operations of DOGE and the potential reforms that Tesla’s founder, Elon Musk, might implement as its head.
Japan’s Interest in DOGE
Masaaki Taira, Japan’s minister for digital transformation, has voiced a strong interest in the capabilities of Trump’s new government efficiency initiative. He believes that it may serve as a valuable source of innovative ideas to help rejuvenate the Japanese economy.
Taira mentioned that the Japanese government plans to “closely follow” Musk’s strategies within DOGE to identify potential lessons that could be incorporated into their own administrative reforms.
This commentary came during Japan’s “Autumn Review” on November 14, a gathering where state leaders assess various national programs and determine future governmental directions.
This year’s Autumn Review is set to cover nine national initiatives, including discussions on scholarships for foreign students provided by the education ministry and funding from the reconstruction agency aimed at revitalizing areas in Fukushima Prefecture affected by the devastating March 2011 earthquake, which severely impacted the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant managed by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.
Government Efficiency Initiative
During his speech at the Autumn Review, Taira expressed a desire to adopt methods used by the Trump administration in establishing DOGE under Musk’s leadership for enhancing government efficiency.
He highlighted his interest in potential spending reductions that might occur within the US government and expressed hopes for similar fiscal reforms within Japan.
Taira anticipates that Musk will employ “a pretty drastic approach” to government spending cuts in the US and intends to monitor the policies Musk implements to fulfill DOGE’s objectives.
Leadership of DOGE
Trump has chosen Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, founder of Roivant Sciences, to lead this efficiency department.
Both leaders have articulated their ambitious goals for downsizing the government workforce and reducing overhead costs.
Trump clarified that DOGE will not function as a traditional department, unlike the Department of Homeland Security, since creating a new government agency requires Congressional approval.
Instead, it will operate as an advisory commission, independent of government, tasked with guiding the federal government on “large-scale structural reform.”
Image credit: Rolling Stone, chart credit: TradingView