Discrepancy in Japan's Energy and Climate Policies

Abstract

This paper assesses whether Japan's energy and climate policies are aligned by examining its narratives in major energy and climate policy documents announced before and after the Kyoto Protocol came into effect. The study aims to shed light on the country's recent regressive position compared to other climate and energy policy-leading countries. There is a focus on the government's attitudes and policies regarding nuclear power, renewable energy, and coal. The results show that although these policies are essentially aligned in terms of renewable energy and nuclear power, but they are inconsistent in terms of coal. The policy examination indicates that the conventional energy security and economic efficiency are dominant factors in Japan's energy policy; whereas climate change, although an important concern, does not predominate in energy planning. This implies that Japan needs to coordinate its energy and climate policies more than ever before to restore its leading position in dealing with the climate issues.