The data from June 2025 to May 2026 reveals some interesting insights into Japan's electricity consumption. More than half of Japan's electricity—63%, to be specific—comes from fossil fuels, predominantly gas and coal, which account for about 30% and 28% respectively. On the cleaner side of the energy mix, low-carbon sources contribute around 35% of electricity. Solar energy supplies nearly 11%, nuclear accounts for just below 10%, and hydropower contributes around 8%. Wind and biofuels together make up about 6%, with wind contributing just over 1%. It's clear that while Japan has made strides in clean energy, a significant portion still comes from fossil fuels, which remains a concern because of their negative environmental impact.

Is Electricity Growing in Japan?

Despite the urgency for growth in clean electricity, overall electricity consumption in Japan appears to be on the decline. The most current data from 2026 shows that the average electricity consumption per person is about 7,899 kWh—significantly lower than the 9,134 kWh recorded in 2010. The figures are similar when it comes to low-carbon electricity, with 2,775 kWh per person in 2026, down from the previous record of 3,543 kWh per person back in 1998. This overall decline, particularly in low-carbon electricity, is concerning as it indicates challenges in increasing low-carbon energy supplies and suggests that Japan may find it difficult to meet future demands for clean energy as both electrification and artificial intelligence continue to grow.

Suggestions

To reverse this trend and boost the share of low-carbon electricity, Japan should consider expanding its solar energy capacity significantly. Already a notable player, solar energy can be further developed, drawing inspiration from regions with successful solar projects, like Nevada and California, both generating around 30% of their electricity from solar. But even more crucially, Japan should look at embracing nuclear energy more aggressively. Countries like France and Slovakia have made nuclear energy a cornerstone of their electric grids, accounting for more than 65% of their electricity generation. Similarly, Iowa and Denmark showcase how a strategic focus on wind energy can yield substantial results. By learning from these regions and investing in both nuclear and solar infrastructure, Japan can aim to dramatically increase its green energy portfolio.

History

In the decades leading up to the 21st century, Japan saw varying degrees of success in low-carbon electricity generation, especially with nuclear. The late 1970s and into the 1980s were periods of nuclear energy growth, with substantial annual increases like 28 TWh in 1978 and 25 TWh in 1985. Although the early 1990s showed some continued growth, the 2000s witnessed setbacks, most notably significant decreases in nuclear output in 2003 and 2011, which serve as critical reminders of the need for steady and committed policy support. More recently, post-2020 efforts have seen nuclear bounce back with increases in production, reinforcing its potential as a cornerstone of Japan's low-carbon future. This varied history illustrates the pressing need for Japan to commit resolutely to low-carbon, particularly nuclear, expansion to stabilize and increase clean electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jun 2025 – May 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.