ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Energy in Japan

Imagine you live in a big house, and you need energy to live comfortably. Just like you need food to have energy to play, your house needs energy to have lights, warmth, and all kinds of machines that make life easier. In Japan, there are more than 126 million people living in a very small space, so they need a lot of energy to make sure everyone is comfortable and has everything they need.

Japan gets its energy from different sources. One of them is called nuclear power. This is when they use really tiny particles called atoms to make a lot of heat. This heat is used to make electricity, and that's what powers homes, schools, hospitals, and more. But sometimes, nuclear power can be dangerous if it's not used properly. In 2011, there was a big accident in Japan that affected many people, and since then, some of the nuclear power plants have closed.

Another source of energy is called renewable energy. This is when they use natural things like wind, sun, and water to make electricity. It's kind of like magic, but it's science. For example, they use big wind turbines that turn when the wind blows, and then they generate electricity from that movement. They also have solar panels that use the sun's energy to make power. This type of energy is good because it doesn't harm the environment and it's sustainable. That means they can keep using it for a really long time without running out.

Lastly, Japan gets some energy from things like oil, gas, and coal. These are called fossil fuels, and they come from underground. They need to be burned to make heat and electricity, but they also produce pollution. Japan wants to use less of these because they want to be more environmentally friendly.

In conclusion, Japan needs a lot of energy to make sure everyone has what they need. They get their energy from different sources, like nuclear power, renewable energy, and fossil fuels. Each of these sources has its advantages and disadvantages, but Japan is trying to use more renewable energy because it is good for the environment.