LEARN 05

Let's think about energy for the future.

ライブの照明も、スマホの充電も、電気があってこそ。

その電気は、どこから来ているのでしょうか。

Q

How is electricity generated?

The majority of electricity generated in Japan comes from thermal power plants. These plants burn coal, natural gas, and oil to produce heat that generates electricity.

Burning food releases CO₂. In other words, using electricity is directly linked to global warming.

Renewable energy

Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass are examples of energy sources that can be reused repeatedly. A key characteristic is that they produce almost no CO₂ during power generation. However, they also have the challenge of being susceptible to weather and time of day.

Codex Image August 31, 2026 14_08_09.png

Thermal power generation: This method generates electricity by using the heat from burning coal or gas to rotate a turbine.

Solar power generation: Converts sunlight into electricity using panels. ⭐︎Renewable energy

Wind power generation: Generates electricity by using wind to turn a wind turbine. ⭐︎Renewable energy

Hydroelectric power: Electricity is generated by using the force of falling water to rotate a turbine. ⭐︎Renewable energy

Q

What's the current state of Japan's energy situation?

Japan's Energy in Numbers

• Energy self-sufficiency rate: 15.2% (FY2023, preliminary figure)

・発電に占める再生可能エネルギーの割合　22.9％（2023年度）

Of that , solar power accounts for 9.8%, hydropower 7.6%, and wind power 1.1%.

What does a "15% self-sufficiency rate" even mean?

Only about 15% of the energy used in Japan is supplied domestically.

The remaining 80% or more is reliant on imports from overseas .

Therefore, events that occur in distant countries can affect electricity bills. Energy is not just an environmental issue.

Source: Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, "On Future Renewable Energy Policies," June 3, 2025.

*The final figures for fiscal year 2024 have also been released. Please check the latest figures on the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy website.

Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, "Regarding Future Renewable Energy Policies" (June 3, 2025) https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/enecho/denryoku_gas/saisei_kano/pdf/074_01_00.pdf

The government has projected to increase the share of renewable energy to around 40-50% by fiscal year 2040. However, this is a target, not a guaranteed future.

Q

What are the challenges?

What is being discussed now

Reducing CO₂ emissions and thermal power generation directly contributes to combating global warming.

・But we want to deliver a stable supply / Solar and wind power generation varies depending on the weather and time of day.

- We rely too heavily on imports / Prices fluctuate significantly depending on international affairs.

• Costs and burdens / The money to build the equipment is shared by everyone through electricity bills.

* There are various opinions among experts regarding how to choose energy sources. This document only provides an overview of the key points.

There is no single answer that can be definitively called "the correct answer." That's precisely why it's meaningful for each individual to be aware of these possibilities.

Q

How does this connect to your otaku activities?

That light is also made of electricity.

A lot of electricity is used when you're supporting your favorite idol.

• Lighting, sound, and air conditioning for domes and arenas

- Penlight batteries

- Smartphones or TVs used to watch the stream, and their communication

- Factories that produce the goods, and logistics that deliver them.

There's no need to give it up. However, making small changes, such as switching your home electricity to renewable energy or unplugging appliances you're not using , will gradually build up. It's about building a foundation for continuing what you love for a long time.