How Tokyo Narrowly Avoided a Power Crisis by Shutting Its Lights

Government lifts power shortage alert for Tokyo on Wednesday
Tokyo, Tohoku areas narrowly avoided blackouts on Tuesday

Damaged bullet train wire pillar in Miyagi prefecture on March 17.Photographer: Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images

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By Shoko Oda and Masumi Suga

March 22, 2022 at 1:00 AM UTC

Updated on

March 23, 2022 at 2:32 AM UTC

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Japan says it expects sufficient power supply for Tokyo after narrowly avoiding blackouts on Tuesday, as the worst power supply squeeze in more than a decade shows signs of easing.

The government lifted its electricity shortage warning for Tokyo from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, with solar supplies expected to be more abundant and cold weather subsiding, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Power demand from Thursday will ease more as temperatures rise, according to the ministry.