Overcoming the Challenges of Energy Scarcity in Japan

Abstract: Dependence on imported fossil fuels is a major issue in contemporary Japan, as this creates economic vulnerabilities and contributes to climate change. The reliance on imports has been increasing, despite efforts to diversify and conserve energy, and today imports supply over 90 percent of energy consumed in Japan. The aim of this study is to understand the context that contributed to the creation of this fossil fuel import dependence, and to examine how economic incentives and policy tools have been employed to mitigate the issue. This is done through a case study, using analytical tools such as thematic analysis and framing. It is argued that continued reliance on fossil fuel imports is due to a combination of; increasing consumption, absence of natural resource endowments, institutional structures, and alternative sources being considered unreliable or expensive.