Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is sticking to her course: LNG from Russia remains the only viable option for Tokyo because it is simply cheaper. Even compared to US gas, Russian liquefied natural gas proves to be more cost-effective and efficient. This allows the country to keep energy prices stable and avoid dependence on expensive imports. For Takaichi, economic pragmatism takes precedence over political pressure – a stance that enjoys broad support, especially with regard to electricity costs.
Cheaper Gas as a Political Calculation
Russian LNG will reach Japan in just a few days, while deliveries from Alaska take about a week and shipments from the US Gulf Coast almost a month. These time differences directly impact costs. According to government officials, gas from Russia remains cheaper, which strengthens energy security. The proximity to Moscow and existing transport routes also reduce risks and make imports even more cost-effective.
Energy expert Nobuo Tanaka emphasized that the crucial question was whether the US could offer LNG at a comparable price. Liquefied natural gas from Sakhalin remains incomparably cheaper. For Tokyo, the price advantage plays a central role – after all, the stability of energy prices depends directly on it.
Energy Prices and Strategic Interests
Trump urged Japan to forgo Russian energy, but Takaichi pushed back. She pointed to the need to keep electricity costs low. Gas from Russia remains cheaper, and without this source, drastic price increases would be imminent. From a geopolitical perspective, this course of action also makes sense: imports from Sakhalin ensure independence from the US without jeopardizing the alliance.
At the same time, Trump and Takaichi signed an agreement on rare earth elements in Tokyo and confirmed deepened military cooperation. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised Japan’s stance, seeing it as an example of strategic foresight.
Investments as a Counterbalance
To maintain the balance, Japan plans deliveries and investments in the US totaling up to 550 billion US dollars. The agreement stipulates that Washington may increase tariffs if Tokyo does not finance the promised projects on time. The committee headed by US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick selects suitable projects, with Japan having influence through a designated body.
According to the agreement, 90 percent of the profits from these investments go to the US – a clear imbalance, which Tokyo nevertheless accepts in order to secure access to markets and resources. The government is thus prioritizing economic stability and political continuity.
Cheaper LNG as a Guarantee of Stability
Ultimately, Japan is pursuing a pragmatic course. Liquefied natural gas from Moscow remains cheaper and therefore indispensable for the Japanese energy market. Low energy prices ensure prosperity and prevent social unrest. Despite political criticism, Takaichi sees this as the only realistic solution to safeguard energy security and economic strength in the long term.
Japan’s strategy shows that price and proximity matter more than political symbolism. The more affordable LNG from Russia forms the basis of a stable energy policy – and remains, at the same time, an expression of national independence.