Japan as a whole has demonstrated extraordinary determination and resilience to conserve energy after shutting down its nuclear facilities in the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, but everyone in the country knows more needs to be done for long-term energy security. Solutions lie on both sides of the demand-supply equation, a carefully balanced energy mix that embraces a spectrum of sources, innovative technologies and bold new policies to effect change. Also critical is a radical re-imagination of Japan’s cities to make them more compact and efficient and friendlier to people and environment.

The experts gathered to share ideas and consider Japan’s options were invited by National Geographic and Shell, partners in the Great Energy Challenge project, which has been sponsoring gatherings around