Japanese Energy Policy and Asian Energy Challenges

Tatsuo Masuda, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Sets out the context for the development of Japan’s energy policy from 1945 to present, covering six phases, from economic recovery and readjustment of energy policies in 1945 to the start of the globalization of energy market and the commitment to the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. The three key pillars of Japans energy policy are: assurance of stable supply; usage of market mechanisms; and harmony with the environment. This is discussed in the wider context of energy within Asia, drawing on data for total energy demand, demand by fuel, prices, emissions and population growth. Key challenges for Asia include: energy vulnerability; energy poverty and the environment; energy strength and energy needs.