Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions declined for a third straight year in fiscal 2024, reaching the lowest level since records began, according to new government data.
Figures released by the Ministry of the Environment Japan show the country emitted 1.046 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in the fiscal year ending March 2025. That represents a 1.9% drop from 1.067 billion tons recorded a year earlier.
The latest data marks the lowest level since emissions tracking began in 1990, reflecting reduced energy consumption in manufacturing and a gradual shift toward cleaner energy sources.
Industrial emissions decline as energy mix shifts
A sector-by-sector breakdown shows that industrial activity played a significant role in the overall decline.
Carbon dioxide emissions from Japan’s industrial sector fell 2.5%, while the transportation sector recorded a 1.6% drop. Household emissions also decreased 0.7% during the period.
The only major increase came from the commercial and services sector, where emissions edged up 0.2%, suggesting continued energy demand from businesses and office spaces.
Japan’s climate strategy aims to cut emissions 46% from 2013 levels by 2030. The fiscal 2024 total represents a 24.9% reduction compared with 2013, putting the country roughly halfway toward its target. Japan also relies on natural carbon sinks to offset part of its emissions.
Greenhouse gas absorption from forests and other natural sinks fell 2.9% to 52.3 million tons, according to the ministry. After accounting for this absorption, Japan’s net emissions stood at 994 million tons, also 1.9% lower than the previous year.
Energy transition gradually reshaping emissions
Japan’s emissions trajectory has been heavily influenced by its energy mix since the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. Following the accident, most nuclear reactors were shut down, forcing the country to rely more heavily on fossil fuels.
Emissions surged in the years after the disaster, peaking at 1.394 billion tons in fiscal 2013. Since then, they have steadily declined as renewable energy capacity expanded and nuclear reactors gradually restarted.
See similar stories: Indonesia delays 10% bioethanol gasoline mandate to 2028 amid supply constraints
Government data shows renewable energy accounted for 23.1% of Japan’s electricity generation in fiscal 2024, slightly higher than the previous year. Nuclear power contributed 9.4%, reflecting the slow but ongoing restart of reactors.
Thermal power still dominated the energy mix, generating 67.5% of electricity. This included 28.1% from coal, 32.2% from natural gas, and 7.2% from oil, although the share of fossil fuel generation declined slightly year-on-year.
Long-term climate goals still in focus
Despite the recent progress, fossil fuels continue to make up the majority of Japan’s electricity supply, highlighting the scale of the transition still ahead.
As Tokyo works toward its 2030 emissions reduction target, the pace of renewable expansion and nuclear restarts will likely play a decisive role in determining whether the country can maintain the downward trend in emissions.
