Utilization of low-enthalpy geothermal energy in Japan, especially with the application of geothermal heat pumps, is far behind other industrial countries. In 1998, a feasibility study was made of utilizing Japan's low-enthalpy geothermal resources. Since 2001 the Geo-Heat Promotion Association of Japan (GeoHPJ) began its activities with the objective of installing 140,000 heat pump systems in private houses by the target year of 2010. The Geothermal Research Society of Japan has also launched new activities in this sector. Research groups in universities and other national institutes have started geoscientific research on the utilization of low-enthalpy resources and private, academic and governmental sectors have consequently begun promoting geothermal heat pump utilization. (C) 2003 CNR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.