This book offers a distinctive and comprehensive view of the energy transition of Japan, with a particular focus on the rise of smart cities.

Drawing on real examples from Japan’s journey towards carbon neutrality, this volume examines a variety of topics ranging from laws and policies to technological and managerial solutions, discussing them in the context of Japan’s energy transition. Among the issues covered by the book are climate action planning, sustainable waste management, energy poverty, decarbonisation, e-methane, transport policies, and smart grids. The book also explores the regulatory tools that either support or hinder the development of smart cities in Japan, and how Japan can leverage its national solutions globally. In this way, this book serves as a guide for global climate action and energy transitions around the world.

Focusing on both stories of success and lessons learned, this book will be a valuable resource for students and scholars of energy transitions, climate action, smart cities, as well as Asian and Japanese studies more broadly.