This marks the first public acknowledgment from a senior Japanese official regarding the security implications associated with the $47 billion acquisition proposal from Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard.
In September, Seven & i was designated as "core" to Japan's national security, prompting speculation about whether this classification was a protective measure. At that time, the finance ministry indicated that this designation would not impede a possible acquisition.
The parent company of 7-Eleven has turned down Couche-Tard's offer, and its founding family is currently in discussions to take the company private in order to counter the takeover bid.
"Speaking about a potential acquisition of Seven & i, I think the matter is heavily related to (national) security," Akazawa said at the Japan National Press Club.
Akazawa noted that convenience stores and their supply chains could play a crucial role in disaster response, such as delivering hot meals to those in affected areas.
"If Seven & i's convenience store business is in foreign hands and run solely for profits, we'll have to think about various things, such as whether we can we get full support when our people affected by the disaster are suffering," he said.
His remarks came in response to increasing global protectionism related to national security, exemplified by U.S. President Joe Biden's recent decision to block Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel.
When questioned about the possibility of interest rate increases by the Bank of Japan, Akazawa expressed uncertainty about whether current interest rates are appropriate, emphasizing that the decision on monetary policy rests with the Bank of Japan.
The central bank "may want policy leeway by having more room for a rate cut that could be conducted in case of emergencies," he added.