Abstract. Thе paper reviews Japan’s current climate policy as one of the key player in global climate policy. For this research governmental documents on climate change (National Development Contribution, the Long-Term Strategy under the Paris Agreement) were analyzed, along with the GX Strategy, the 6th Basic Energy Plan, and scientific papers. It is concluded that, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Japan has been introducing measures such as fur ther development of renewable energy and improvements in energy efficiency; advancement in atomic and hydrogen energy; exploration of ammonia potential and new “clean coal” technologies; and reducing of energy consumption in households. The Joint Credit Mechanism, carbon tax and carbon trading scheme have been introduced into the economy. The adoption of next generation vehicles is increasing. Carbon sinks and their potential, such as forests and marine ecosystems, are receiving significant attention in Japan. Additionally, adaptation measures are being developed, especially risk assessments for natural disasters.
On the one hand, the instruments of climate policy in Japan are typical for developed countries. On the other, there are its own peculiarities, such as diversification of renewable sources in its energy balance, the great success in energy efficiency, offset schemes, and the assessment of marine ecosystems for carbon sink potential.
Therefore, Japan demonstrates an active position in the international climate agenda and has a well-developed scheme of measures. Despite the slow progress in reducing greenhouse gases emissions from 2013 to 2021, it is presumed that Japan will be able to achieve its carbon neutrality goal, and its best technological and managerial practices may be adopted by other countries.
Key words: climate change, environmental policy, low-carbon, net-zero, emissions, blue carbon, adaptation.