Japan to Replace All Incandescent Lamps and Fluorescent Tubes by 2020

Incandescent Light Bulb

Jan 11 2016

The government plans to phase out all incandescent lamps and fluorescent tubes by fiscal 2020 and light up the nation with highly energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LED), according to sources, writes Shinya Takagi and Keiko Nannichi in the English-language digital version of The Asahi Shimbun, Japan’s leading daily newspaper.

A rapid shift to LED light sources is expected to occur when incandescent lamps and fluorescent tubes are no longer imported and domestic stocks run dry. That situation could lead to a reduction of costs amid increased demand.

The government has been controlling fluorescent tubes and LED lamps under the “top-runner system,” a policy that restricts production and imports of new merchandise unless it performs better than the most energy-efficient example in the same product category.

incandescent lamps, fluorescent tubes and LED lamps currently have their own categories. But the three will be combined into a singular lamp category under an energy efficiency action plan expected to be established around summer 2016.

That move would effectively take incandescent lamps and fluorescent tubes out of the game because LED lamps are far more energy efficient than the two traditional light sources.

The government plans to make these changes through revisions of the Rational Use of Energy Law, commonly known as the energy conservation law.

 

 

 

 

 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Aug 6, 2025 - Hèmèra Announces Acquistion by Industry Professionals Francois Renaud, Matthew Curatolo & Nicholas Cohen

    Hèmèra Announces a New Era of Innovation & Leadership

    Hèmèra has announced that it has been acquired by industry professionals François Renaud, Matthew Curatolo, and Nicolas Cohen. This acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Hèmèra, as the new leadership team is poised to build on the company’s legacy of delivering innovative, high-performance lighting solutions to discerning customers. The new leadership… Read More…

  • July 28, 2025 - Eureka Wins Multiple SIT Furniture Design Awards

    Eureka Wins Multiple SIT Furniture Design Awards

    Eureka is pleased to announce that it has received 2025 SIT Furniture Design Awards for its Junction, Lattice, and Velia luminaires. SIT Furniture Design Award was created to celebrate and share the remarkable work of furniture designers and those who use furniture in their projects. The creativity, innovative vision, and accessibility of the furniture design… Read More…


Design


New Products

  • ABB Emergi-Lite: JMC Series – Steel, Compact, 6V & 12V

    ABB Emergi-Lite: JMC Series – Steel, Compact, 6V & 12V

    ABB Emergi-Lite’s JMC Series battery unit’s emergency lighting system shall consist of fully automatic equipment with two emergency lighting heads. The unit shall be rated V with a capacity of W for 30 minutes of emergency operation. The charger shall be factory set with a charging voltage tolerance of ± 1% to enable a longer… Read More…

  • STANPRO: New CIELO – Trimless Downlight

    STANPRO: New CIELO – Trimless Downlight

    The CIELO Trimless LED Downlight boasts a sleek, modern design that delivers a subtle, elegant aesthetic. With its clean, seamless finish, it enhances any contemporary space. Available with gimbal and zoomable models and integrated 2700/ 3000/ 3500/ 4000/ 5000 K selectable color temperature. This series is perfect for both residential and commercial applications. Read More…