On October 26, 2020, in his first policy speech since taking office in September 2020, Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, set an ambitious target for his country to be carbon neutral by 2050.[1] According to Prime Minister Suga, achieving that goal will not only good for the world, but also for Japan’s economy and global standing. “Taking an aggressive approach to global warming will bring about a transformation in our industrial structure and economic system that will lead to big growth” in the economy, he said. The prime minister said he would accelerate research and development on key innovative technologies such as next-generation solar batteries and carbon recycling. He also promised a stable energy supply by conserving energy, maximizing the use of renewable energy sources, and promoting nuclear energy policies that place the highest priority on safety. He also plans to radically change Japan's long-standing policy on coal-fired power generation.

Japan is the world’s fifth-largest emitted of greenhouse gases. In 2018, Japan emitted 1.24 billion metric tonnes (1.36 billion US tons) of greenhouse gases, which was 3.9% less than 2017 and 12% less than its peak in 2013.[2] Previously, Japan had committed to going carbon neutral “at the earliest possible date,” and had a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/26/business/japan-carbon-neutral.html

[2] https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/26/asia/japan-emissions-target-2050-scli-intl/index.html