Japan Faces Hard Choices in Weaning off Russian Energy
Japan imports more than 97 percent of its LNG, and Russian Sakhalin-II LNG accounts for 9 percent of total imports. The Takaichi government has resisted US pressure to phase out Russian LNG, and the US extended Japan's sanctions waiver until the end of 2026. Most Sakhalin-II contracts are due to expire between 2028 and 2033.
Why it matters: Japan's reliance on Russian LNG shows how energy security can constrain foreign-policy choices in a geoeconomic competition.