Engendering an inclusive low-carbon energy transition in Japan: Considering the perspectives and awareness of the energy poor

Prevalence of Energy Poverty in Japan: A Comprehensive Analysis of Energy Poverty Vulnerabilities

“…While such energy access gaps have been overlooked as a determinant of EP in previous literature, the study demonstrates that they are strongly related to the EP phenomenon in Japan. Additionally, as indicated by Chapman and Okushima [13], the study notes that households in EP are likely to be excluded from the ongoing low-carbon transition in Japan due to little or no access to solar-power technology. Similarly, people living in off-gas grid areas are considered disadvantageous in terms of energy affordability, since natural gas is less expensive and is a lower-carbon energy source than LPG in Japan, whose disadvantages will be exacerbated by future deep carbon mitigation policies [12].…”

“…As a study which applied a subjective EP measure in Japan, Chapman and Okushima [13] analysed the link between EP and an inclusive low-carbon energy transition. The results emphasised the need for an EP policy agenda that would recognise EP as an issue distinct from income poverty, highlighting the energy justice issues in Japan caused by the current low-carbon transition.…”

“…EP in Japan has recently been analysed using the multidimensional energy poverty index (MEPI) [11][12][13]. However, given the purpose of this study and the lack of data availability, the study considered that the 10% measure [38] is most feasible to analyse the regional characteristics of EP in Japan, covering both the affordability and accessibility to different forms of energy.…”

“…Unlike in the EU, EP studies in Asia have been limited in terms of both quality and quantity. However, recent exploratory studies, such as in Japan [10][11][12][13], China [14,15], Hong Kong [16] and India [17,18], have increasingly examined this issue. Japan, the setting of this study, is one of the most developed countries in the world, continuously progressing on technological and national economic fronts.…”

“…increasing especially after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and the Fukushima nuclear accident [10,11]. A considerable number of people depend on kerosene for fulfilling their energy needs for winter heating; generating concerns regarding a possible adverse impact on the low-carbon transition policy [12,13]. Moreover, Japan faces new challenges with regard to the existing health gaps between regions and socio-economic groups, which has expanded in the last 25 years [19][20][21][22].…”