The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) announced on October 3, 2025, that two offshore zones—off Akita City in Akita Prefecture and off Hibikinada in Fukuoka Prefecture—have been newly categorized as “Promising Areas” under Japan’s Act on Promoting the Utilization of Sea Areas for the Development of Marine Renewable Energy Power Generation Facilities (Renewable Energy Sea Area Act).
Three other zones—off Asahi City in Chiba Prefecture, off the southern coast of Goto City in Nagasaki Prefecture (floating), and off Ichikikushikino City in Kagoshima Prefecture—were newly categorized as “Preparatory Areas.”
According to METI and MLIT, the categorization follows submissions from prefectures between March 10 and May 12, 2025, and reflects the opinions of an expert third-party committee.
“Promising Areas” are those considered suitable for designation as promotion zones after gathering relevant information and confirming stakeholder agreements through local councils. “Preparatory Areas” are regions where prefectures have begun coordination with stakeholders but have not yet met all criteria for promotion.
In addition, under the “central method” framework aimed at accelerating the formation of offshore wind projects, the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) has selected three new areas for site surveys: off Akita City (Akita Prefecture), off Asahi City (Chiba Prefecture), and off Hibikinada (Fukuoka Prefecture).
These surveys, which include assessments of wind conditions, seabed geology, and meteorological and oceanographic factors, will be conducted subject to the approval of the fiscal 2026 government budget.
The ministries emphasized that these surveys do not directly lead to the designation of promotion zones; such designations will follow separate procedures in accordance with the Renewable Energy Sea Area Act.
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is a central government ministry of Japan responsible for industrial policy, trade, energy, and technology. It oversees national strategies for renewable energy and manages regulations concerning energy security and industrial competitiveness.
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) is a Japanese government ministry that administers policies on land use, infrastructure development, transport systems, and maritime affairs, including coastal and offshore regulations.
Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) is an independent administrative agency under METI. It is responsible for ensuring Japan’s stable supply of natural resources, including energy and metals, and conducts technical research, surveys, and investment support related to resource development and renewable energy infrastructure.
