Amid global turmoil and a weak yen, energy poverty emerges as a concern in Japan
Experts say the first step toward dealing with energy poverty is to simply acknowledge the issue.
In Sendai, Japan, a woman in her 50s and without a job had her water and gas services disconnected due to unpaid bills. Unable to cook or afford necessities, she survived on raw eggs and melted snow for a week before seeking assistance from a local food bank. This scenario, shared by Saori Kasahara, a graduate student and volunteer with Food Bank Sendai, sheds light on the growing issue of energy poverty in Japan.
Energy poverty, as recognized by the European Union, occurs when households must cut energy use to an extent that harms their health and well-being. Japan's situation, marked by rising energy costs due to global conflicts and a weak yen, extends beyond the Sendai region. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, around 15% of Japan's population lives in relative poverty.
However, factors like soaring energy prices and subpar housing conditions exacerbate the problem, notes University of Osaka lecturer Hayato Koga.
Since the 2000s, energy poverty in Japan has been on the rise, influenced by the 2011 triple disaster, the Russia-Ukraine war, and a weak yen. Around 10% of households in Japan are estimated to be in a state of energy poverty, according to research by University of Tsukuba professor Shinichiro Okushima. This issue has been overlooked in Japan's national policies, but experts advocate for increased awareness and action.
Highly vulnerable groups include older adults living alone, who are projected to make up over 20% of households by 2050. They typically have lower incomes and spend more time at home, often in poorly insulated older homes. Rural residents, who face higher energy expenses due to reliance on personal vehicles and limited access to city gas networks, are also at risk.
Immigrants, comprising about half of Food Bank Sendai's beneficiaries, struggle with language barriers and low wages, making it challenging to meet energy needs.
Insufficient insulation in residential buildings, particularly in older homes, further intensifies energy poverty. Climate change, raising cooling costs amid hotter summers, adds to the burden. However, experts caution that climate change countermeasures must not inadvertently worsen energy poverty. Japan's Feed-in-Tariff system, while promoting renewable energy, imposes surcharges on all ratepayers, potentially burdening low-income households more severely.
Addressing energy poverty in Japan necessitates both improving existing systems and implementing new measures to ensure energy security for all.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
