Tokyo, December 27, 2025 — Japan is making plans to significantly increase its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). North America would be a leading driver of this growth. It’s an enormous change reflected in recent contracts signed this year. By the end of the decade, North America is on course to account for more than 20% of Japan’s long-term LNG agreements. This change is an important step in the right direction in Japan’s energy policy. Specifically, it aims to diversify energy sources and enhance energy security.
In fact, Japanese energy companies are already making plans to import LNG from North America at three times the current volume by 2030. This ambitious increase stems from a series of contracts finalized in 2025, reflecting a strategic pivot in Japan’s approach to its energy needs. The agreements are anticipated to strengthen Japan’s energy security as domestic demand rises and global energy prices are volatile.
Those contracts signed this year will be extremely important in influencing the course of Japan’s energy future. The country began transitioning off nuclear energy after the Fukushima catastrophe. For that reason, it is more important than ever to support its efforts to diversify its energy portfolio. By deepening its dependence on North American LNG, Japan is taking important steps towards ensuring a more secure, clean energy future.
According to industry insiders, the increase of LNG imports will provide Japan with a reliable long-term supply of natural gas. In addition, this support will go a long way towards stabilizing energy prices in the region. This pivot in favor of North American LNG, industry leaders claim, is the context of a strategic response to emerging domestic and international market trends.
Photo credits Tsuneyuki Kenmochi This is the size of Japan’s energy import transition. This before/after visual documentation underscores just how transformative this change really is. Our visual context LNG facilities and infrastructure When you consider the rapidly growing demand for LNG, the role of facilities and infrastructure are key.