Climate Change Skepticism in Japan: Challenges and Opportunities for Renewable Energy Expansion

In a country known for its technological advancements and environmental consciousness, Japan faces an unexpected hurdle in its fight against climate change: a growing group of climate skeptics and renewable energy (RE) opponents. Recent studies have illuminated this complex issue, revealing surprising insights into who these skeptics are and why they resist change.

Despite Japan ranking first among countries perceived to be making progress on public awareness and environmental action, and notwithstanding its high commitment to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the country still faces a significant challenge with climate change skepticism (The Asahi Glass Foundation, 2022).

According to a 2023 investigation by the Japanese Ministry of Environment, approximately 15% of Japan’s population expresses skepticism about climate change or opposes the widespread adoption of renewable energy (Ministry of Environment, 2023). On the other hand, research by Kosugi and Baba (2023) in the 2017 and 2020 surveys showed a growing number of climate change skeptics, increasing from 4.1% to 6.5%. However, this figure is lower than the Ministry of Environment reports.

Research indicates a concentration of climate skepticism among older, rural populations and specific industrial sectors. Tanaka et al. (2022) found that about 60% of skeptics are over 60 years old, and many reside in regions historically dependent on fossil fuel industries. The resistance takes various forms. In the Tohoku region, several residents and mayors oppose the construction of wind farms, citing concerns over potential environmental damage. The major of Shichinohe Town in Aomori Prefecture, Tsutomu Komata, said in a report, “The town is opposed to the project,” referring to the Michinoku Furyoku Hatsuden Jigyo project. The mayor’s reservations stemmed from the possible effect of deforestation and impacts on water sources, among other factors (Yomiuri Shimbun, 2023).

Several wind energy projects in Japan have been canceled recently due to local opposition and environmental concerns. For instance, in July 2022, Kansai Electric Power Co., based in Osaka, had to abandon its plans for a wind farm in the Zao Mountains of Miyagi Prefecture. The project, which would have included up to 23 windmills generating 96,600 kilowatts of electricity, faced criticism from local officials, including Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai. The primary concern was that the wind turbines would negatively affect the scenic landscape around the popular tourist destination of Okama Crater Lake (Yomiuri Shimbun, 2023).

Similarly, another wind energy project planned by Hitachi Zosen Corp., also based in Osaka, was canceled in August 2022. This project, which was to be located on the borders of four municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture, including Showa village, was halted due to strong opposition from residents who filed lawsuits against proposed wind farm projects, citing concerns about noise pollution and wildlife impact. Likewise, there has been opposition in Shiga and Fukui prefectures to renewable energy projects, especially wind farms, which are growing due to environmental concerns. The central and local governments have suspended several wind farm construction projects over fears of endangering rare bird species, particularly golden eagles and mountain hawk eagles. This opposition stems from documented bird strikes in Japan and overseas.

Additionally, the development of utility-scale solar farms in Japan has faced significant challenges and opposition from local communities. Concerns have been raised about the impact of large-scale solar projects on local living environments, landscapes, and ecosystems, leading to the cancellation of several planned installations. Some regions, such as Nagano Prefecture, have responded by implementing stricter environmental impact assessment requirements for utility-scale solar facilities (Hiranuma, 2020).

The development of RE projects in Japan faces complex challenges, balancing decarbonization goals with wildlife preservation and local community concerns. The Economy, Trade, and Industry Ministry has intervened in multiple cases, requesting project reviews and additional environmental impact assessments. This situation is further complicated by misinformation campaigns, particularly on social media, which have gained traction among younger, tech-savvy audiences in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka.

Economic concerns have also emerged alongside environmental worries. Large-scale solar projects, which accounted for 81% of the installed capacity under Japan’s feed-in tariff (FIT) program as of March 2018, have been criticized for contributing little to local economies (Hiranuma, 2020). These projects often bring in external maintenance crews and contractors, limiting local job creation, while profits and taxes benefit the municipalities where company headquarters are located rather than host communities.

Reluctance toward renewable energy is multifaceted, including information gaps in rural areas, economic concerns, and cultural factors. A report by the Japan Renewable Energy Institute (JREI) found that 40% of those opposing renewable energy cite high initial costs as their primary concern, particularly among small business owners and lower-income households (JREI, 2023). Moreover, there is a deep-rooted cultural attachment to traditional energy sources, with some viewing the shift to renewables as a threat to Japan’s industrial heritage and energy independence.

To address these challenges, the Japanese government launched the “Green Japan Initiative,” supported by “the Green Innovation Fund Projects,” a comprehensive program to educate the public about climate change and renewable energy benefits. Economic measures include residential solar panel installation subsidies and low-interest “green loans” for small businesses. Furthermore, local governments are also taking action, with Hokkaido initiating a “community engagement program” for renewable energy projects. Some local governments, like Tokyo Prefecture, mandate that all new homes be fitted with solar panels (KYODO NEWS, 2022). This is aided by a subsidy of 2,125 yen at 4 yen per kilowatt-hour and 17.5 yen per cubic meter of city gas in summer months (The Japan Times, 2024).

While early results show a slight decrease in climate skepticism nationwide, opposition to specific renewable projects remains strong in some areas. This multifaceted resistance underscores the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to renewable energy development in Japan that addresses environmental concerns, combats misinformation and aligns with local community interests.

A targeted approach is needed to strengthen these efforts. For instance, instituting stricter mandatory environmental impact assessments for the commissioning and completing renewable energy plants and publicizing the results would be a good start. Also, instituting programs for workers to transition from fossil fuel to unconventional energy industries and showcasing successful local renewable energy projects are potential strategies to make a significant difference.

As Japan continues its journey towards a sustainable future, addressing skepticism and opposition remains crucial. With continued education, economic incentives, and community engagement, there is hope that the “Land of the Rising Sun” will also become ‘the land of rising renewable energy acceptance.’

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Japan Country Manager Delmarva Richards.

Learn More Resources

  1. Hiranuma, H. (2020). Renewable Energy Solutions for Japan’s Struggling Regional Economies: Miyazu’s Experiment in Community Power. https://www.tokyofoundation.org/research/detail.php?id=736
  2. Hokkaido Prefectural Government. (2023). Community Engagement in Renewable Energy Projects: Annual Report 2023.
  3. Japan Renewable Energy Institute (JREI). (2023). Public Perception of Renewable Energy in Japan: 2023 Report.
  4. KYODO NEWS. 2022, December, 15. Tokyo will require new homes to be fitted with solar panels starting in FY 2025. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/12/3c10f9876521-tokyo-to-require-new-homes-be-fitted-with-solar-panels-from-fy-2025.html
  5. Kosugi, M., & Baba, K. (2023). Five types of perception of global warming in Japan. Frontiers in Climate5, 1227585.
  6. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. (2022). Green Japan, Green Innovation: Overview of the Green Innovation Fund Projects. https://green-innovation.nedo.go.jp/en/about/
  7. Ministry of Environment. (2023). Climate Change Awareness Survey 2023.
  8. The Asahi Glass Foundation. 2022. Survey on the Awareness of Environmental Issues Among the General Public. https://www.af-info.or.jp/en/ed_clock/news/G_Pub_worldresult.html
  9. The Japan Times. 2024, June, 29. Japan to offer an average of ¥2,125 per month in subsidies for utility bills. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/06/29/japan/japan-utility-bills-subsidies/
  • Yomiuri Shimbun. 2023, January, 23. Onshore Wind Power Projects Face Local Opposition in Northeast Japan. https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20230123-85856/

To: Mr. YOSHIHIRO Murai, Miyagi Prefecture Governor
980-8570, Miyagi-Prefecture, Sendai-shi,
Aoba-ku, Honcho 3-8-1
Miyagi Prefectural Government
Telephone: 022-211-3433
Fax:022-211-3519
E-Mail:denshoe@pref.miyagi.lg.jp

Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Address Climate Change Skepticism in Japan

Dear Governor YOSHIHIRO,

I am writing on behalf of Climate Scorecard to urge you to take action to address renewable energy skepticism in your city.

As a respected government official, you are uniquely positioned to influence beliefs and behaviors regarding the increase in green energy and the transition from fossil-fuel-based energy sources to unconventional technologies. Your leadership in sensitizing the communities in your area to the positives of renewable energy installations is critical for the acceptance and the potential increase of renewables in these areas. This also will help to reduce the demographics of renewable energy skeptics in Japan. We ask you to use your expertise and platform to combat misinformation and actively promote an understanding of renewable utilization and the direct link to climate change.

We urge you to:

  • Develop targeted educational campaigns for rural communities and industrial workers
  • Collaborate with media to share accurate climate information
  • Advise other policymakers on effective communication strategies

Taking action is crucial because:

  • Climate change poses immediate risks to Japan’s environment and economy, and the increased installation of renewables will help curb its impacts
  • Skepticism hinders necessary policy changes and renewable energy adoption
  • Your influence can help bridge the urban-rural divide on this critical issue

We would welcome the opportunity to support your efforts in any way possible.

I appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

Delmaria Richards (Dr.)
Climate Scorecard Country Manager for Japan

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