Japan Maintains Russian LNG Imports Citing National Security Despite U.S. Pressure

Japan is navigating a complex energy landscape as it continues to rely on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Sakhalin-2 project, which supplies about 10% of its LNG imports and nearly 3% of its electricity generation. Despite significant pressure from the U.S. to halt these imports as part of efforts to economically isolate Russia due to its military actions in Ukraine, Japan prioritizes its national energy security and economic stability over foreign policy demands. Japanese Trade Minister Yoji Muto emphasized that while Japan is gradually reducing its dependence on Russian energy, a complete halt is not feasible in the short term due to long-term contracts and the high cost of replacing these supplies, which would likely increase electricity prices. Japan remains the only G7 country without a set deadline to phase out Russian gas imports, even as it has joined the G7's price-cap scheme on Russian oil with exemptions for Sakhalin-2. The country is taking strategic steps, including securing new U.S. LNG deals and investing in American shale gas assets, to diversify its energy sources while balancing international pressures and its own national interests. Coordination with international partners continues, but energy security remains Japan's overriding concern amidst global geopolitical tensions.