Where Mt. Fuji rises lies proving ground for green hydrogen in Japan

Energy

From tire makers to whisky distillers, using gas cuts emissions but costs are high

Endowed with the longest average hours of sunshine in Japan, Yamanashi prefecture is trying to make itself a renewable energy hub. (Yamanashi prefecture)

YURIKA YONEDA and MITSURU OBE

September 24, 2025 13:35 JST

SAGAMIHARA, Japan — Hydrogen is gaining visibility in Japan as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels, as a growing list of companies, including makers of cars, tires, engines, beverages and machine tools, begin to embrace the lightest element as part of their energy mix.