Energy strategy has always been embedded in Japanese economic development. During the post war era，Japan’s energy strategy experienced seven stages，including coal and steel development，“oil supported by coal” energy structural transition，oil substitution，energy diversification，energy saving after oil crisis，strategic oil reserve，and “three E” balanced development. Given Japan’s extremely limited energy resources，these measures played an important role to secure Japanese energy demand，and promote its economic take off and long term growth. However，East Japan earthquake and Fukushima nuclear plant accident severely challenged Japan’s energy status，and Japan had to adjust its energy strategy. Looking forward for Japan’s energy development dynamics，nuclear plants will probably be reactivated，and renewable energy development strategy is both hopeful and challenging. An analysis on Japan’s energy status and strategy transition could provide important lessons for China to learn.