Japan phasing out nuclear, a third of its electricity

The New York Times
reports that Japan idled 52 of 54 reactors.
Concerns arose a year ago in the hours following the tsunami.

Fully one third of Japan's electricity was generated by nuclear power.
With most reactors offline, the country has enacted methods to conserve electricity.

When American officials are asked about renewable energy, the argument that there are times when the sun doesn't shine and wind doesn't blow.
Rarely does conservation come up.
Could Americans do what Japan is doing? Could we reduce grid demand to allow for more renewables and less coal, natural gas and nuclear power?
Can we afford not to long term?