three major reasons for this, fairly separate from car-electrification.

1) mandatory (paid, around 900usd) motor-vehicle inspections at 3 years

2) cost of mechanical maintenance in Japan (few car shops, huge prices)

3) no tax reduction on older/vintage/used/low-cost vehicles (like the US value-based registration costs)

I don't disagree that the auto industry of Japan is likely also protecting their own interests -- but driving in Japan has always been a pretty big personal burden on people; I see no reason why electric cars are going to get a pass from the three things I listed, they require maintenance, have a high value, and fail inspections, too.

unless laws change those failed inspection cars are either getting exported , fixed, or destroyed. there is still an export element available there.