I've always thought that Japan would probably be the number two country in trouble due to its energy profile, even in spite of their extensive energy conservation measures and leadership. Remember, this is the country where most of the highly-unrealistic (energy-wise) human-controller mechanized fighter robots have originated.

Is this evidence of an imminent decline?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060814/ap_on_re_as/japan_power_outage

Power cut off in wide areas of Tokyo

TOKYO - A power outage hit wide swaths of Tokyo and nearby Chiba early Monday, halting train service in some areas, news reports said. It was not immediately clear what caused the power to be cut off.

At least two elevators stopped in central Tokyo with an unspecified number of people inside in the blackout, according to Tokyo fire official Keisuke Hayashi. He could not provide other details, saying officials were investigating the extent of the damage.

Media reports said that several trains services were halted. Japan was in the middle of a holiday, and the number of passengers during the morning rush hour was fewer than usual.

Public broadcaster NHK said that about 670,000 houses and other buildings were without power as of 8:15 a.m. local time.