Robin Nicholson

MPhil Candidate in Japanese Studies 2023-2025

My master’s research examines continuity and change in Japan’s post-2011 energy security and industrial policy. I focus how Japan’s implementation of its hydrogen strategy, which coincides with the government’s Green Growth and Green Transformation (GX) strategies and Keidanren’s Society 5.0 plan unveiled between 2020 and 2022, which all aim to combine Japan’s economic growth with environmental conservation by greening and decarbonising the economy. Hydrogen as a fuel is extracted from fossil fuels or through water electrolysis. By capturing, storing and utilising hydrogen, Japan aims to increase domestic energy security and self-sufficiency; boost green industrial growth by creating fuel-cell vehicles and export hydrogen-based technology overseas. Japan intends to lead in establishing global regulations governing hydrogen supply chains and technology.

This thesis draws on industrial policy, green growth, and energy transition literature and asks: How are Japanese businesses and local governments implementing the Hydrogen Strategy, and in collaboration with global partners such as Australia?

This thesis aims to identify and assess the stakeholders, economic and energy security benefits and challenges of successfully implementing the hydrogen strategy. I hope to contribute new findings to literature on green industrial policy and the viability of new energy sources. Japan’s implementation may also provide a case study for future comparative cross-national research on renewable energy policy implementation amid the global climate crisis.

Supervisor: Prof Hugh Whittaker

College: St Antony’s College

Previous Degree Programme: BA (Hons) History and International Relations with Japanese from Exeter University. My undergraduate IR dissertation “Is Japan Normalising?” examined recent shifts in Japan’s security identity and practices.