Article Date: October 3, 2025
The Japanese government has designated Akita City (northern Japan) and Hibikinada, Fukuoka (south) as promising zones for offshore wind development. These areas were upgraded from preparatory zones following recommendations by an expert committee.
In addition, three new preparatory zones were identified:
- Off Asahi City, Chiba
- Goto Island, Nagasaki (floating wind suitable)
- Ichikikushikino City, Kagoshima
Three sites—Akita, Asahi, and Hibikinada—were selected for surveys under a centralised approach, with government and local authorities collaborating to accelerate development.
This move is part of Japan’s push to expand renewable energy and reach carbon neutrality by 2050, although confidence in offshore wind has been affected by rising project costs and consortium withdrawals.