DeepWind Weekly delivers key updates on Japan’s offshore wind sector in English every week.
This article provides a full digest of the major developments in October 2025.

Contents

October 1st Week

1. Akita Offshore Wind: First domestically built CTV to enter general sea area – NYK signs long-term contract

NYK has signed a long-term charter agreement with the Oga–Katagami–Akita offshore wind consortium for a Japan-built crew transfer vessel (CTV), the first to serve a general sea area project in Japan.
The vessel, built in Iwate based on Northern Offshore Services’ design, will be managed by Japan Offshore Support in Akita City, contributing to local employment and revitalization of Japan’s shipbuilding industry.

2. Toda Corporation and partners to base SEP vessel in Hakodate – Operations start in 2026

Japan Wind Farm Construction (JWFC), backed by Toda, Kumagai Gumi, Nishimatsu, and others, has designated Hakodate Port as the home port for its self-elevating platform (SEP) vessel. The ship will arrive in May 2026 and handle turbines up to 18 MW.
The agreement emphasizes local procurement and port coordination, leveraging Hakodate’s deep waters and strategic location as a hub for Tohoku and Hokkaido offshore wind projects.

3. Mitsui & Co. to begin onshore works for Murakami–Tainai offshore wind – from October

The Murakami–Tainai project (684 MW), led by Mitsui, Osaka Gas, and RWE, will begin onshore transmission works on October 1.
Although contractor selection delayed the start from April, the June 2029 commercial operation schedule remains unchanged. Preparations such as transmission line surveys are underway, with expectations for regional economic and employment benefits.

October 2nd Week

1. New Offshore Wind Promising & Preparation Zones Announced

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) have updated the offshore wind pipeline under the Act on Promoting the Utilization of Sea Areas for Renewable Energy.

Two new Promising Areas—Akita City Offshore (Akita Prefecture) and Hibikinada Offshore (Fukuoka Prefecture)—were newly designated, alongside three new Preparation Areas: Asahi (Chiba Prefecture), Goto South (Nagasaki Prefecture, Floating), and Ichikikushikino (Kagoshima Prefecture).

2. Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Expected — Sanae Takaichi Elected as New LDP Leader

Sanae Takaichi has won the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election, making her almost certain to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister.
Formal appointment will follow parliamentary nomination, but her position as ruling-party leader effectively secures the premiership.

Takaichi has criticized Japan’s heavy reliance on large-scale solar PV (“Mega Solar”), citing deforestation, environmental harm, and disaster risks.
Her stance points toward a policy shift from land-based renewables to ocean-based resources, with offshore wind—particularly floating wind—likely to gain new momentum.

3. After Mitsubishi’s Withdrawal — Choshi Offshore Wind Holds First Regional Dialogue

Following Mitsubishi Corporation’s withdrawal from the Choshi Offshore Wind Project (Chiba Prefecture), the “Choshi Regional Future Creation Council” held its first meeting on October 6.

Participants included representatives from Chiba Prefecture, Choshi City, METI, MLIT, and Mitsubishi.
The meeting—held mostly behind closed doors—focused on how to continue community development and fishery coexistence initiatives previously led by Mitsubishi.
Two more sessions will be held this year, with results to be reported to the official council.

October 3rd Week

1. World Offshore Wind Summit Opens in Akita

Over 800 participants from around the world gathered in Akita City as the 5th World Offshore Wind Summit kicked off on October 15.
Speakers from JWPA and prefectural leaders reaffirmed Akita’s key role in Japan’s offshore wind development, highlighting both fixed-bottom and floating initiatives in the region.

“Akita remains a national leader in offshore wind,” said Governor Kentaro Suzuki, pledging continued progress toward a renewable future.
Despite project delays and Mitsubishi’s withdrawal, Akita still hosts four promotion zones and one promising area, including floating wind demonstration sites off Yurihonjo and Nikaho.

Source: ABS News NNN (Japanese)

2. Dutch Mooring Cable Maker Eyes Akita as Production Hub

Netherlands-based FibreMax signed an agreement with Akita Prefecture and Akita City to prioritize discussions on establishing a local manufacturing base for floating wind mooring cables.
The company’s lightweight, high-durability synthetic fiber cables can withstand depths beyond 1,000 m and are already widely used in Europe. Plans will be finalized by around 2028, with Akita Port under consideration as the preferred site.

Governor Suzuki described the project as “a dream opportunity for Akita to become a regional hub for floating offshore wind in Asia.”

Source: Yahoo Japan news (Japanese)

3. DENZAI E&C to Open Akita Branch for Wind Turbine Assembly

DENZAI E&C, a Tokyo-based heavy-lifting and maintenance firm, has signed a location agreement with Akita Prefecture and Akita City.
The company will establish its Akita branch in April 2026, operating from a 35,000 m² site at Akita Port equipped with a 2,500-ton crawler crane for turbine assembly.
Initial operations will support the Oga–Katagami–Akita Offshore Wind project, with plans to expand services across the Sea of Japan coast.

“Projects are delayed, not canceled,” said President Hiroki Uemura, expecting work to intensify around 2028–2029.

Source: Nikkei (Japanese)

October 4th Week

1. To be updated

2. To be updated

3. To be updated

Monthly Wrap-up

Explore more categories at DeepWind:

🔍Market Insights – Understand the latest trends and key topics in Japan’s offshore wind market
🏛️Policy & Regulations – Explore Japan’s legal frameworks, auction systems, and designated promotion zones.
🌊Projects – Get an overview of offshore wind projects across Japan’s coastal regions.
🛠️Technology & Innovation – Discover the latest technologies and innovations shaping Japan’s offshore wind sector.
💡Cost Analysis – Dive into Japan-specific LCOE insights and offshore wind cost structures.