The fact that Norway, the world's 6th largest oil producer is seriously considering banning automobiles run on fossil fuels from 2015, should be a wake up call for Japan.
This sort of pressure is only going to get stronger so as one of the world's primary automobile producing countries, Japan really needs to pay attention. The writing is on the wall.
It also goes to show that even countries with a large stake in the old "dirty" economy need not hold back from striving to become leaders in the new green economy. As usual it takes a combination of legislation, popular/consumer support, and innovation.
In Japan the popular support definitely exists, as does the corporate innovation. All we need now is politicians and bureaucrats who can take the necessary legislative and regulatory steps.
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The government is doing the opposite with its stimulus package encouraging people to drive the country's motorways for 1000yen tolls.
This survey shows that people are driving more as a result:
http://whatjapanthinks.com/2009/04/28/etc-installation-and-toll-discounts-in-japan/
There was a story on tonights NHK News7 that although motorway usage is up for this year's Golden Week, train and ferry patronage is down compared to last year - apparently because of the 1000 yen tolls.
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