“In Japan in June, the names of the companies were revealed which would become the objects of government assistance for fiscal 2013. A decision was made to assist a total of 19 companies. According to region, there were 11 in the Tokyo metropolitan area (Tokyo and suburbs), 6 in the Chubu area (Nagoya and the surrounding area), 1 in the Kansai Area (Osaka, Kobe, etc.), and 1 in Kyushu Area (Fukuoka, etc.). As for the companies involved, JX Nippon Oil & Energy accounted for 10, the Iwatani group (Iwatani, Iwatani Industrial Gases) for 5, and the joint project of Toyota Tsusho and Air Liquide Japan for 1.

In May the last 3 trial stations were installed, and the stage has been reached in which the move toward installation of commercial stations can finally be made.”