Retailer Aeon, Fujitsu, Ricoh and other firms called on Japan’s government to accelerate a shift to renewable energy and a zero carbon economy during the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Meeting with Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, representatives of the Japan Climate Leaders Partnership (JCLP), a grouping of 144 companies, submitted recommendations that included making renewable energy more accessible, and introducing carbon pricing.

Japan has long been criticized over its government’s strong support for coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), and its weak targets for renewable energy and emissions cuts.

“All the members of the JCLP are very frustrated over this and especially the government’s NDC,” said Kahori Miyake, executive officer, corporate social responsibility.

She was referring to Japan’s National Determined Contribution (NDC) to cut carbon emissions by 26% in 2030 from 2013 levels and the government’s target for renewables to account for 22-24% of Japan’s electricity mix by then, with the rest mostly accounted for by fossil fuels.