Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) easily get deteriorated along with softening during the storage. And energy dissipation is associated with senescence and deterioration of many agro‐products. In this study, the evident effect of light irradiation on the softening and the energy dissipation mechanism of shiitake mushrooms (L. edodes) during storage was investigated. Postharvest shiitake mushrooms were treated with light irradiation of 2,300–2,800 lux, and stored at 10°C and 90% RH for 18 days. Textural properties, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, antioxidant activity, antioxidase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, electrolyte leakage, energy status, enzyme activities, total phenolic content, and genes expressions related to energy metabolism were determined. Results indicated that compared with non‐irradiation, qualities of shiitake mushrooms treated with light irradiation were better maintained until 18 days of storage. Light irradiation exerted better effects on maintaining the textural properties of shiitake mushrooms, led to the lower ROS level and cell membrane peroxidation. Moreover, a higher energy status was detected with light irradiation, which could be attributed to the enhanced enzyme activities (H+‐ATPase, Ca2+‐ATPase, SDH, and CCO activities) and relative gene expressions. Novelty impact statement Light irradiation in the range of 2,300–2,800 lux applied on fresh shiitake mushrooms during the storage, exerted effect on texture properties maintenance, led to the low levels of MDA content, electrolyte leakage, and antioxidant activities. Meanwhile, higher energy status and enhanced enzyme activities as well as relative gene expressions were detected in light‐irradiated mushrooms. This study provides a potential application of light irradiation in maintaining the shelf life and storage quality of postharvest shiitake mushrooms, as well as a perspective on correlation between textual quality and energy metabolism.