Abstract
Why is Japan so reluctant to take a leadership role in global climate change negotiations and is trailing in the development of renewable energy? This chapter argues that the source of Japan’s inaction in climate diplomacy arises from its energy policy, which has been discouraging the extensive development of renewables. The root cause of this energy policy is Japan’s energy security concerns that have prevailed in its energy policy since the two oil crises in the 1970s. Since then, the Japanese government has promoted nuclear energy as the primary alternative source to oil, not renewable energy, while pursuing energy conservation. Climate change mitigation policy is closely tied to energy policy over which the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) of the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Trade (METI) has jurisdiction. The lack of strong political leadership on energy and climate policy renders organized economic interests and METI as the most influential. Thus, despite its tremendous potential to become a leader, Japan effectively has relinquished its leadership in climate diplomacy and the development of renewable energy.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Allen, David, and Sumida, Chiyomi. 2010. Hatoyama: Moving Futenma Operations Off Okinawa ‘Not Possible.’ Stars and Stripes, May 6.
ANRE/METI (Agency of Natural Resources and Energy, METI). 2019. Denryoku nettowāku kaikaku no kihonteki kangaekata nitsuite (The Basic Ideas About the Reform of the Electric Power Network). ANRE, March. Available at: https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/enecho/denryoku_gas/datsu_tansoka/pdf/002_01_00.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
ANRE/METI (Agency of Natural Resources and Energy, METI). 2020. Denkijigyo seidono gaiyō—Toroku kouridenki-jigyosha ichiran. Available at: https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/category/electricity_and_gas/electric/summary/retailers_list/. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Aoki, Mizuho. 2015. Fate of Troubled Monju Reactor Hangs in the Balance. Japan Times, November 23. Available at http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/11/23/reference/fate-of-troubled-monju-reactor-hangs-in-the-balance/#.VxNQqmO7dJM. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Aoki, Mizuho. 2016. Down But Not Out: Japan’s Anti-Nuclear Movement Fights to Regain Momentum. The Japan Times, March 11. Available at: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/03/11/national/not-japans-anti-nuclear-movement-fights-regain-momentum/#.Xqj-5hO2E0o. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Asahi Shimbun. 2012. Genpatsu 0%’ Shijisaita—Tōrongata yoronchosa, chōshukai, paburikku-komento, August 23.
Asahi Shimbun. 2014. Kyuden, saisei-ene kaitori jijitsujyo chushi-he, September 20.
Asahi Shimbun. 2015a. Keisanshō genpatsu to karyoku bi’iki, January 17.
Asahi Shimbun. 2015b. Saisei-ene yokusei, saisan fuan, February 5.
Asahi Shimbun. 2015c. ‘Genpatsu niwari’ pabukome sudōri, shōsai/sanpi shimesazu: 2030 nen dengenkōsei kettei, July 17.
Asahi Shimbun. 2018a. Taiyoko-ha yokusei, ugokashitsuzukeru genpatsu, Kushu-igaidemo okoriuru, October 14.
Asahi Shimbun. 2018b. Sai ene shutsuryoku yokusei, Kyushu-igaidemo junbi, Tohoku, Chugoku-de, November 13.
Beck, Ulrich. 1992. Risk Society: Towards New Modernity. London: Sage.
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). 2009. The 2009 Manifesto, The Democratic Party of Japan’s Platform for Government, Putting People’s Lives First, DPJ.
Enerugie-kankyo kaigi (Energy and Environment Council: EEC). 2012. Enerugi-kankyo ni kansuru sentaku (Choice About Energy and the Environment), June 29. Available at: http://www.env.go.jp/council/06earth/y060-110/mat01_2.pdf. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
Gaimusho Kokusaishakai-kyoku Seisaku-ka. 2005. Chikyukibo mondai ni kansuru ishikichosa, May 11. Available at: http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/press/release/17/rls_0511b.html. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
George, Alexander. L., and Bennett, Andrew. 2005. Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Iida, Testsunari (ISEP) et al. 2006. Renewable Energy and Social Innovation in Japan, 18 February. Available at: http://www.isep.or.jp/images/press/060218swisspresen-1.pdf. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
ISEP (Kankyo enerugie kenkyujyo). 2014. Shizen enerugi hakusho 2014. Available at: http://www.isep.or.jp/jsr2014. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
ISEP (Kankyo enerugie kenkyujyo). 2017. Shizen enerugie hakusho 2017. Available at: http://www.isep.or.jp/jsr/2017report. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
Ito, Koichiro. 2016. Deregulation of Japan’s Electricity Market: Key Factors Needed for Success. Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), March 1. Available at: https://epic.uchicago.edu/news-events/news/deregulation-japan%E2%80%99s-electricity-market-key-factors-needed-success. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
Japan Times. 2010. Hatoyama Offers an Apology to Okinawa, May 24. Available at: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2010/05/24/national/hatoyama-offers-an-apology-to-okinawa/#.WTtxQjNI2SM. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Kameyama, Yasuko. 2017. Climate Change Policy in Japan: From the 1980s to 2015. London: Routledge.
Kankyosho. 2004. Chikyu ondanka mondai ni kansuru yoron chōsa (Kekka no gaiyo), October 16–17. Available at: https://www.env.go.jp/policy/report/h17-03/ref01-2.pdf. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
Kantei. 2007. Innovative Technology Development, May 24. Available at: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/policy/ondanka/2007/0524inv/siryo1.pdf. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
Kawamata, Kotaro. 2007. Road to Hokkaido Toyako Summit: Message from Japan as a G8 Host Country in 2008. Side Events/Exhibits Archive, UNFCCC COP13, December 10. Available at: https://seors.unfccc.int/seors/reports/archive.html?session_id=COP13. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
Kikkawa, Takeo. 2011. Tsusansangyo seisakushi 10: Shigen enerugie seisaku 1980–2000 (The History of Trade and Industry Policy 10: Natural Resources and Energy Policy 1980–2000). Tokyo: Keizaisangyo chōsakai.
Kimura, Osamu, and Tatsujirō Suzuki. 2006. 30 Years of Solar Energy Development in Japan: Co-evolution Process of Technology, Policies, and the Market. Paper Prepared for the 2006 Berlin Conference on the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change: “Resource Policies: Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Equity,” Berlin, November 17–18.
Mainichi. 2016. NRA’s Takahama Reactor Approval a Blow to 40-Year Lifespan Rule, June 21. Available at: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160621/p2a/00m/0na/019000c. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Manabe, Noriko. 2015. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Protest Music After Fukushima. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
METI (Minister of Economy, Industry, and Trade). 2006. New National Energy Strategy: Digest, May. Available at: http://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11245844/www.enecho.meti.go.jp/en/reports/pdf/newnationalenergystrategy2006.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
METI. 2010. The Strategic Energy Plan of Japan: Meeting Global Challenges and Securing Energy Futures (Summary). Revised June 2010. Available at: http://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/3487098/www.meti.go.jp/english/press/data/pdf/20100618_08a.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
METI. 2014. Strategic Energy Plan, April. Available at: http://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/en/category/others/basic_plan/pdf/4th_strategic_energy_plan.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
METI. 2015. Long-Term Energy Supply and Demand Outlook, July. Available at: http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2015/0716_01.html. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
METI. 2018. Strategic Energy Plan, July. Available at: http://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/en/category/others/basic_plan/5th/pdf/strategic_energyplan.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
MOE (Ministry of the Environment). 2007. Becoming a Leading Environmental Nation Strategy in the 21st Century, June 6. Available at: https://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/070606.html. Accessed 11 Mar 2016.
Moe, Espen. 2012. Vested Interests, Energy Efficiency and Renewable in Japan. Energy Policy 40 (C): 260–273.
Moe, Espen. 2015. Japan: No Structural Change, Save for a Structural Shock? Vested Interests Pre- and Post-Fukushima. In Renewable Energy Transformation or Fossil Fuel Backlash, ed. Espen Moe, 38–71. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
MOFA (Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan). 2009. Statement by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at the United Nations Summit on Climate Change. New York, September 22. Available at: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/hatoyama/statement/200909/ehat_0922_e.html. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
MOFA. 2014. Cabinet Decision on Development of Seamless Security Legislation to Ensure Japan’s Survival and Protect Its People, July 1. Available at: https://www.mofa.go.jp/fp/nsp/page23e_000273.html. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
MOFA. 2018. Report of Advisory Panel to the Foreign Minister on Climate Change: Recommendations on Energy Promote New Diplomacy on Energy Through Leading Global Efforts Against Climate Change, February 2. Available at: https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000337158.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
National Diet of Japan Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission (NAIIC). 2012. The Official Report of the Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission, Executive Summary. Available at: http://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/3856371/naiic.go.jp/en/report/. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Nihon Keizai Shimbun. 2012. Fenpatsu zero shiji, sankago 47% ni zoka—Tōrongata yoronchosa, August 22. Available at: http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNASGC22005_S2A820C1MM0000/. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Nilsson-Wright, John, and Fujiwara Kiichi. 2015. Japan’s Abe Administration Steering a Course Between Pragmatism and Extremism. Research Paper, Chatham House: The Royal Institute of International Affairs, September. Available at: https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/publications/research/20150914JapanAbeAdministrationNilssonWrightFujiwara.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
OCCTO (Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators, Japan). 2019. Role of OCCTO in the Electricity System Reform, March 18. Available at: https://www.occto.or.jp/en/about_occto/about_occto.html. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Oshima, Kenichi. 2010. Saiseikano enerugie no seijikeizai gaku: enerugie seisakuno gureen kaikakuni mukete (The Political Economy of Renewable Energy: Toward the Green Reform of Energy Policy). Tokyo: Tōyōkeizai shimpōsha.
Powershift. 2020. Pawā sifutona denryokugaisha ichiran, June 13. Available at: http://power-shift.org/choice-2/. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
REI (Renewable Energy Institute). 2018a. Comment on the Draft Basic Energy Plan: Japan Should Join the Global Trend for Renewables Toward Decarbonization, Persisting to Coal and Nuclear Will Put Japan’s Future at Risk, June 28. Available at: https://www.renewable-ei.org/en/activities/reports/img/pdf/20180628_02/20180628_CommentBasicEnergyPlan_EN.pdf. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
REI. 2018b. Electricity Generation Mix FY 2017 (The Source: METI/ANRE “Total Energy Statistics”). Available at: https://www.renewable-ei.org/en/statistics/electricity/. Accessed 5 Apr 2019.
REI. 2019. Electricity Generation Mix FY 2018 (Preliminary) (Based on the Data from METI/ANRE “Total Energy Statistics”), November 25. Available at: https://www.renewable-ei.org/en/statistics/energy/?cat=electricity. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
Samuels, Richard J. 1987. The Business of the Japanese State: Energy Markets in Comparative and Historical Perspective. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.
Sawa, Akihiro. 2009. “The Fragility of Hatoyama’s 25% Reduction Initiative: The Risks of Losing International Leadership,” Circulated Through the “Climate Change Info Mailing List,” the Speech at the 21st Century Public Policy Institute on September 14. Available at: http://www.21ppi.org/english/pdf/090924.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Shimizu, Tetsuro. 2014. Genshiryoku hatsuden-to nihon-no enerugie jyukyu (Nuclear Generation and Japan’s Energy Supply and Demand). Norinkinyu (Co-operative Finance for Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery), 10: 2 (622), 14 (634).
Shugiin (House of Representatives). 2010. Chikyu ondanka-taisaku kihon hōan. Dai 171 kai, San. Dai 19 gō. Available at: http://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_gian.nsf/html/gian/honbun/houan/g17106019.htm. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Tabuchi, Hiroko. 2011. Japan’s Prime Minister Declares Fukushima Plant Stable. The New York Times, December 16.
Toichi, Tsutomu. 2002. Japan’s Energy Policy and Its Implications for the Economy. IEEJ, April. Available at: https://eneken.ieej.or.jp/en/data/pdf/110.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
Tsunekawa, Keiichi. 2010. Kiseikanwa-no seijikatei: Naniga kawattanoka (The Political Processes of Deregulation: What Did Change?). In Kōzomondai to kiseikanwa, ed. Jyuro Teranishi, 77–147. Baburu/defureki-no Nihonkeizai to keizaiseisaku Dai 7 kan (The 7th Volume of Japanese Economy and Economic Policies During the Period of the Bubble Economy and Deflation) Under the Supervision of the Economic and Social Research Institute of the Cabinet Office (ESRI). Tokyo: Keio University Press. Also Available at: http://www.esri.go.jp/jp/others/kanko_sbubble/analysis_07_03.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr 2020.
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 2015. The Paris Agreement. FCCC/CP/2015/L.9/Rev.1, December 12.
Watanabe, Rie. 2015. Nihon to Doitsu-no kikōenerugie seisakutenkan: paradaimutenkan-no mekanizumu (Climate and Energy Policy Changes in Japan and Germany: A Path to Paradigmatic Policy Change). Tokyo: Yushindo.
Yoneda, Yuriko. 2008. The Spread of Solar Power Generation in Japan. Japan for Sustainability, JFS Newsletter, 70, June. Available at: https://www.japanfs.org/en/news/archives/news_id027851.html. Accessed 28 Apr 2020.
Yoshioka, Hitoshi. 2011. Shinpan Genshiryoku-no shakaishi: Sono nihonteki tenkai. Tokyo: Asahi Shimbun Publications Inc.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2021 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Ohta, H. (2021). Why Japan Is No-Longer a Front-Runner: Domestic Politics, Renewable Energy, and Climate Change Policy. In: Midford, P., Moe, E. (eds) New Challenges and Solutions for Renewable Energy. International Political Economy Series. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54514-7_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54514-7_3
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-54513-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-54514-7
eBook Packages: Political Science and International StudiesPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)