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Japan’s LNG pivot to Southeast Asia is more greed than green
20 July 2025
East Asia Forum
Since receiving its first LNG shipment in 1969, Japan has grown into a global LNG powerhouse. Now, it’s evolving into a regional trading hub, exporting excess LNG and investing in gas infrastructure, especially in Southeast Asia. Though framed as supporting regional decarbonisation, Japan’s LNG pivot to Southeast Asia is driven by commercial interests and may delay renewable energy growth in Southeast Asia.
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Japan’s Seventh Strategic Energy Plan Is Both Unambitious and a Fantasy
31 March 2025
Energy Tracker Asia
Japan's seventh Strategic Energy Plan, finalised on Feb. 18, 2025, targets 40-50% renewable energy and 20% nuclear power by 2040 but faces criticism for being overly optimistic…
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Japan’s Updated NDC Plans Fall Short of Expectations
20 February 2025
Energy Tracker Asia
Japan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) fall short of the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. Japan's policy-making structure is the root obstacle hindering progress.
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Fossil fuel insurance is still way too cheap
5 February 2025
The Japan Times
Higher capital requirements for underwriting planet-warming assets should be a given
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To empower Japan, new PM has to get hot on renewables
7 October 2024
The Japan Times
After an LDP race with no discussion of climate, the country’s clean energy future hangs in the balance.
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Japan's energy diplomacy reflects global divide over how to reach net zero
16 August 2024
The Japan Times
Tokyo is steering Southeast Asia’s emerging economies in the wrong direction.
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It’s time for Japan to set up a climate change agency
24 June 2024
The Japan Times
The country needs new institutions to revise its energy roadmap.
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The Benefits of Japan’s Climate Transition Bond
14 February 2024
The Diplomat
The government plans to use the proceeds on technologies that will steer Japan’s government and industry on the right track in terms of both climate and export competitiveness.
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Japan’s hydrogen ambitions may do more harm than good
23 January 2024
East Asia Forum
Japan's efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral hydrogen society may increase emissions due to its fossil fuel-dependent supply chains. To reduce this impact, Japan should focus on low-carbon hydrogen in critical sectors like chemical production, marine, aviation fuels and heavy industry. Tightening the definition of low-carbon hydrogen, backed by government subsidies and import requirements, is also essential.
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Japan baulks at the clean energy transition
13 July 2023
East Asia Forum
The G7 Meeting of Climate, Energy and Environment Ministers held in Sapporo, Japan in April 2023 showcased agreements expanding renewable energy. But some provisions were watered down because of disagreements between Japan — the 2023 G7 chair — and other members.