In light of recent trends concerning television sets which have seen them becoming larger and having more advanced functions, the relevant working group discussed reviewing energy efficiency standards, then compiled a report in February 2021 indicating a new target fiscal year, energy efficiency standards, and other matters.* Based on this report, on May 14, METI promulgated and enforced a Ministerial Order and Public Notice that stipulate new energy efficiency standards and other rules for television sets, with FY2026 as the target year.

Under the Act on the Rational Use of Energy (Act No. 49 of 1979), METI is promoting efforts toward energy efficiency among equipment where it is particularly necessary. Its approaches include setting energy efficiency standards that relevant manufacturers are required to ensure that their products satisfy by the target fiscal year. These standards are formulated considering factors such as the performance of products with the highest efficiency rate (known as "top runners").

Outline of the new energy efficiency standards

• Target fiscal year: FY2026      (Reiwa 8 fiscal year)

• Target equipment: Liquid      crystal television sets and organic EL television sets

• Category and energy      efficiency standards: The energy standard values specified for      each category shown in the table below

(Note: The new energy efficiency standard [109.8 kWh per annum for all television sets] is expected to yield an improvement of about 32% compared with the actual energy consumption efficiency in 2018 [162.5 kWh].)