These updates capture the most important items of evidence collected by the LobbyMap platform, allowing users to track how companies are industry associations are seeking to influence climate policy in real-time.
On 18 July, Chairman of Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC) advocated for a long-term role for nuclear energy accompanied by high-emissions thermal power in the groups monthly press conference.
In a 19 June policy proposal, the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) appeared to not support the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (EU CBAM). Emphasizing concerns around cost burdens and fair competition, it suggested that countries that have taken emission reduction measures based on the Paris Agreement should be "exempted from the application of the CBAM," and requested the EU to "not unilaterally initiate monetary charges by CBAM until a concrete agreement is reached ... consistent with WTO rules." The release of the policy proposal follows a 3 June meeting on the EU CBAM with representatives from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, according to a 26 June report in the Keidanren Times.
On 3 June, during the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan hearing, Toda Corporation advocated for the rapid implementation of offshore wind power in Japan's energy mix. It supported stringent policy interventions to facilitate this increase, such as grid development plans, measures to ensure flexibility in planning, and revision of the Guidelines for Offshore Occupancy. It has also supported Feed-In-Premium (FIP) system to be operated by setting appropriate quasi-premium and maximum prices.
On 6 June, the Japan Climate Leaders' Partnership (JCLP) published a position paper to calling for an accelerated transition of to zero-emission commercial vehicles. In the position paper, JCLP also advocated for policymakers to increase the ambition of government regulation on climate change, and supported a carbon tax. Moreover, the entity advocated for the introduction of ZEV mandate to promote the electrification of light-duty vehicles, and also advocated to the government to set the EV infrastructure roadmap and provide subsidies for the introduction of ZEVs and charging infrastructure.
As reported in a 14 March Nikkei News article, Kingo Hayashi, CEO of Chubu Electric and Chairman of Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC), opposed setting a fixed deadline or a uniform percentage reduction in coal-fired power plant closures. Despite top-line support for the government's plan to phase out inefficient plants by 2030, Hayashi called for exceptions to this target and emphasized the need to proceed based on the stability of electricity supply. He also urged the government to consider compensation if high-efficiency plants are forced to shut down.
As reported in a Nikkei News article, the chairman of the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC) held a regular press conference on 14 February. In the press conference, the chairman welcomed the increased purchase of US-produced LNG, which was mentioned in the Japan-U.S. summit, stating that it will "expands procurement options".
In a press conference held on 20 February, the chairman of Petroleum Association of Japan (PAJ) expressed support for the 7th Strategic Energy plan announced by the Japanese government for clarifying “the need to maintain the oil supply chain” for a “realistic transition”. In the press conference, the chairman also welcomed the joint statement announced by Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump following their summit meeting including the agreement to increase LNG export from the US.
As reported in a Chubu Economic News article, the chairman of the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC) held a regular press conference on 17 January. In the press conference, the chairman welcomed the prospective "increase in energy availability" in light of US President Trump's emphasis on the development of fossil fuels, expressing hope for lower costs through increased production and exports. In the conference, he also recognized that the global decarbonization trend will not change.
According to an article from Nikkan Kogyo, on 26 December, co-chair of Japan Climate Leaders' Partnership (JCLP), Masanori Imai engaged in dialogue with Asao, Minister of Environment of Japan. In the dialogue, JCLP advocated for government intervention to support expanding renewables and lower prices of electric vehicles. In addition, JCLP advocated for Japan to introduce an ambitious GHG emission target of over 75% reduction by 2035, while emphasizing the business risk for companies operating in Japan.
In a 25 December 3rd Public-Private Council for Promoting the Introduction of Synthetic Fuels (e-fuels), Toyota and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) advocated for the longer-term use of biofuels in Japan and supported a longer-term role for internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered light-duty vehicles over rapid electrification, citing support for a 'multi-pathway' approach.
On 14 November, the Japan Climate Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP) released a position paper following the inauguration of the second Ishiba Cabinet. In the paper, JCLP advocated for more than 75% GHG emissions reductions by 2035 compared to 2013 levels.
Specifically, JCLP called for more ambitious energy efficiency legislation, sufficient budget allocation for energy efficiency, and the phase-out of ICE-powered vehicles. In order to achieve these, JCLP also called for the implementation of an ambitious carbon pricing system and an emissions trading system that is aligned with IPCC guidelines. In the same paper, JCLP also advocated for a more than 60% renewable energy ratio by 2035 compared to 2013 levels, calling for reform to electricity infrastructure to fully utilize renewables, and power infrastructure and funds to aid the transition towards a renewables-based energy system.
Several hydrogen related industry associations, including Hydrogen Europe, Hydrogen Council, Australian Hydrogen Council, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA), and Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A) signed an open letter calling for further incentives and mandates for clean hydrogen production to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. The letter was released on 15 November, during COP29 and supports the COP29 Declarations and Pledges Letter.
In a 3 September Energy Conservation Subcommittee at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) advocated for more than 50% of all fuels used in internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicles to be "carbon neutral" by 2040, as the halfway point of its 100% target in 2050. JAMA also pushed for clean diesel vehicles, claiming that this type of vehicles is included in the "next generation vehicles".
In a policy proposal published on its website in June 2024, the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) appeared to support an extended global role for ICE-powered hybrid vehicles, advocating for them to be recognized as environmental goods in resumed WTO Environmental Goods Agreement negotiations. In the same proposal, Keidanren also advocated for regulatory support for hydrogen and ammonia co-firing with coal, and appeared to support carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) with major exceptions, emphasizing concerns around the expansion of items subject to CBAM.
On 2 July, Japan Climate Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP) released a position paper on Japan’s upcoming amendment on the Strategic Energy Plan and NDC. In the paper, JCLP advocated for more than 75% GHG emissions reductions by 2035 compared to 2013 levels. The organization specifically called for the electrification of industry and vehicle transportation, alongside government intervention to allocate funds raised by GX bonds to renewables, opposing investment in high efficiency fossil fuel facilities. In the same paper, JCLP also advocated for more than 60% renewable energy ratio by 2035 compared to 2013 levels, through calling for offshore wind power for 20GW by 2035 and 90GW by 2040. This paper was handed to the minister of of Economy, Trade and Industry, representative of Komeito the ruling party, and the cross-party parliamentary group.
In a statement in the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren)’s Monthly Foreword for May 2024, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries CEO Seiji Izumisawa promoted nuclear energy and thermal power with carbon capture and fuel conversion to hydrogen and ammonia in Japan’s energy mix, with ambiguity around the timeline for the phaseout of coal and the decarbonization of hydrogen and ammonia production.
On May 27th, the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC) published a position paper regarding the revision of the Strategic Energy Plan in Japan. The FEPC advocated for measures to secure and maintain thermal power, and secure long-term contracts for LNG that will lock in unabated fossil gas. The federation also appeared to support co-firing of hydrogen, ammonia, and biomass as well as use of CCUS, but there was ambiguity around the timeline for the phaseout of coal and the decarbonization of ammonia production. While the FEPC also supported an increase in renewables and nuclear, there was some ambiguity regarding the pace and extent of this increase. In the same paper, the FEPC also appeared to support carbon pricing while emphasizing that the cost burden should be shared amongst the public.
On May 17th, during a Press Conference, Hayashi Chairman of Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC) supported the use of renewable and nuclear energy while emphasizing the continued role of thermal power (generally fossil fuel based) for the stable supply of energy. The Chairman also emphasized that price of carbon pricing should be borne by a public, appearing to avoid the excessive burden on the power generation companies.
On May 8th at a hearing of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry’s Electricity and Gas Basic Policy Subcommittee, the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) advocated for the government to strengthen its involvement in the investment and procurement of liquified natural gas (LNG). Meanwhile, it appeared to support renewable energy legislation, advocating for measures for the accelerated use of distributed energy resources.
On the May 2nd, during an interview conducted by Jiji.com, Hayashi Chairman of Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC) emphasized that coal “will play a major role until the end (in Japan)”, advocating that CO2 emission can be reduced by utilizing carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen and ammonia co-firing.
InfluenceMap's latest Transport Bulletin highlights insights into the advocacy of major companies and their industry associations on global transport policy during the first half of 2025.
Assessing Electric Power Industry Influence on the 7th Strategic Energy Plan and 1.5°C Pathways
A new report by InfluenceMap shows how the seafood sector is advocating against policies that address marine biodiversity loss, significantly prolonging ecosystem damage primarily caused by overexploitation and habitat destruction.
A new briefing analyzing the latest emissions data from the Carbon Majors database.
This bulletin offers insights on the climate policy engagement of companies and industry associations in the steel sector and value chain from the second half of 2024.
Japan’s 7th Strategic Energy Plan, New NDC, and GX Policy at a Crossroads – Research Shows Heavy Industry Dominates the Conversation
