METI has been transforming itself to respond to the needs of the times.

METI has a history of responding to the changing needs of society. Therefore, its history is the history of Japan's progress.

In 1949, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry was reorganized and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry was established. Its internal subdivisions consisted of eight bureaus: Minister’s Secretariat, Trade Bureau, Trade Promotion Bureau, Enterprise Trade Bureau, Textile Trade Bureau, General Merchandise Trade Bureau, Machinery Trade Bureau, Chemical Trade Bureau, and Iron and Steel Trade Bureau.
In addition, four agencies, the Resources Agency, Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, Industrial Technology Agency, and Patent Office; eight regional trade and industry bureaus; and four regional coal bureaus were established as external subdivisions.

METI's Mission

Act for Establishment of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Article 3（Provisional translation）
METI’s mission is to develop Japan’s economy and industry by focusing on promoting economic vitality in private companies and smoothly advancing external economic relationships, and to secure stable and efficient supply of energy and mineral resources.