Japan’s position, adopted by the country's ministers, is that each country has its own economic energy situation that requires different methods to achieve carbon neutrality.
Agreement leaves open the possibility of current coal plants employing controversial new technologies like hydrogen and ammonia co-fired plants as well as carbon capture and storage.
The Osaka resort will consist of hotels, shops and a convention center to go along with the casino, and about 20 million people a year are expected to visit.
Tokyo is facing pressure from other G7 leaders to phase out coal power by 2030, while renewable energy proponents are seeking to push Japan to ramp up renewables.
The Japanese Olympic Committee has said that it will be difficult to proceed with the 2030 bid due to public sentiment.
The April 23 votes could determine whether the prime minister heads into next month’s G7 summit with clear political skies, or under a cloud with party rivals grumbling about his leadership.
The opposition party's Osaka gubernatorial and mayoral candidates rolled to victory, assuring Nippon Ishin that it will remain a force in local and national politics in the months ahead.
As Japan looks to shift its energy mix toward cleaner sources, vast Hokkaido is drawing attention for its enormous potential for wind power.
The award-winning composer took a particularly strong anti-nuclear stance that put him at odds with Japanese officialdom.
A quarter of candidates in 41 prefectural assembly elections ran unopposed — the second highest ever — prompting even the winners to call for reforms.
