[Japan] Bank of Japan’s Ueda warns of a temporary energy shock

As of May 27, 2026, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda warned that central banks should not look at oil prices in isolation because energy price shocks initially viewed as temporary can become persistent sources of inflation if they define pricing-setting, household inflation expectations, and wage negotiations. [1] In a speech analyzing historical oil shocks, he argued that the economic effects of energy disruptions depend heavily on the surrounding inflation environment and policy response. He asserted that when inflation expectations are already high and wages are accelerating, the risk of second-round effects is large. While some oil shocks produced only temporary inflationary spikes, others generated prolonged inflation when second-round effects spread through the broader economy. Ueda emphasized that central banks must closely monitor whether firms and households begin to expect sustained inflation rather than treating energy-driven price increases as isolated events. The remarks come as surging oil prices from the Middle East conflict add to inflationary pressure in Japan’s economy, prompting the bank to emphasize the signals that lead markets to expect an interest rate hike as early as within a month.

[1] https://www.boj.or.jp/en/about/press/koen_2026/data/ko260527a1.pdf

[Japan] Japan-ROK agree to coordinate on energy security, supply chain, and more

As of May 19, 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed to deepen Japan-ROK coordination on energy security, supply chains, and regional deterrence amid growing geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. [1] The leaders launched a new bilateral cooperation initiative focused on securing energy supply chains, including petroleum products and LNG, under the framework of the updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” strategy and the “POWERR Asia” initiative announced last month. The agreement includes plans to strengthen regional energy stockpiling and explore mutual crude oil, petroleum product, and LNG supply swaps between Japan and South Korea. The two sides also emphasized cooperation on critical mineral supply chains, economic security, and trilateral coordination with the United States, while reaffirming joint positions on North Korea and broader Indo-Pacific stability.

[1] https://japan.kantei.go.jp/105/diplomatic/202605/19rok.html

[Japan] Hitachi and X LABS collaborate on energy parks for AI data centers in North America

As of May 12, 2026, Hitachi and X LABS announced a collaboration to develop dedicated energy parks designed as behind-the-meter power supply hubs with co-located, gigawatt (GW)-scale infrastructure for AI data center off-takers in North America. [1] An energy park is an on-sit power supply hub integrating power with storage facilities, transmission and distribution (T&D) infrastructure, and energy manage systems. The parks serve as the primary power source while coordinating with the regional power grid, allowing for controllable, large-scale power procurement without needing to wait for grid reinforcement. The two partners aim to provide the full lifecycle of energy parks from design and development to operation and power supply. This is intended to create an environment where data center operators can secure stable power necessary for business expansion without undergoing large upfront capital investments or managing complex energy operations.

[1] https://www.hitachi.com/en-us/press/hitachi-and-x-labs-to-collaborate-on-development-of-energy-parks/

[Japan] Australia-Japan Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation

As of May 4, 2026, Australia and Japan signed a Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation that expands bilateral coordination across energy security, critical minerals, and strategic supply chains, reinforcing both countries’ efforts to build more resilient resource partnerships amid growing geopolitical and market uncertainty. [1] The agreement commits the two governments to deepen cooperation on stable energy supplies, including LNG and next-generation low-emissions technologies such as hydrogen and decarbonization systems, while also accelerating collaboration on critical minerals development and processing, particularly in areas essential to clean energy manufacturing and advanced industrial supply chains. Supporting official statements highlight plans to align policy frameworks, facilitate public and private investment, and advance joint projects that reduce dependence on concentrated supply sources, positioning the partnership as a broader economic security framework that links energy resilience, industrial competitiveness, and regional strategic stability across the Indo-Pacific.

[1] https://www.pmc.gov.au/resources/australia-japan-joint-declaration-economic-security-cooperation

[Japan] Prime Minister Takaichi’s message for the 11th Three Seas Initiative Summit

As of April 29, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a message from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for the 11th Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Summit in Dubrovnik, emphasizing that stable energy supply and resilient supply chains are essential for regional peace and economic stability amid global uncertainty. [1] The statement highlighted the growing importance of strengthening north–south connectivity across Central and Eastern Europe—particularly in energy, infrastructure, and digital sectors—and noted alignment between the 3SI framework and Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” principles, including rule of law, openness, and inclusiveness. Japan reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner (since 2024) and its intention to deepen cooperation with participating countries across these sectors, signaling continued engagement in European energy and infrastructure development corridors.

[1] https://www.mofa.go.jp/erp/erp_2/hr/pageite_000001_01605.html

[Japan] Japan and Mexico agree to cooperate amid energy crisis

As of April 21, 2026, the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, held a telephone summit with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo of Mexico. [1] The two leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the importance of cooperation on energy supply in light of current global energy conditions. They also agreed to promote further bilateral cooperation as “Strategic Global Partners,” including strengthening economic relations and trade. Prime Minister Takaichi proposed establishing a dialogue framework on economic security, including cooperation with Mexico on mineral resources, while both sides expressed support for improving conditions for Japanese companies operating in Mexico and strengthening overall economic ties.

[1] https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/

[Japan] Japan offers $10 billion in support to help Asia secure oil

As of April 15, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae held the Asia Zero-Emission Community meeting, which was attended by leaders of Asian countries. [1] The Prime Minister announced the launch of a new cooperation framework entitled “Partnership on Wide Energy and Resource Resilience (POWERR Asia)”, for emergency and structural responses with mid-to-long term perspectives. The framework prioritizes cooperation in emergency responses through financing procurement of crude oil, petroleum products, and maintaining supply chains in Asia. It addresses structural responses such as establishing stockpiling and release systems as well as the construction of storage tanks to expand the number of crude oil reserves within the region. Additionally, the framework aims to make it feasible to secure critical minerals, diversify energy resources like biofuels, and promote industrial advancement through energy-saving initiatives. The $10 billion financial framework aims to support the stability of Asian countries and insulates Japan from some effects of the ongoing conflict in Iran, particularly through the procurement of medical supplies from Asia to Japan.

[1] https://japan.kantei.go.jp/105/diplomatic/202604/15azec.html

[Japan] JFE Holdings and Mitsubishi sign another MOU to advance data center project

As of April 6, 2026, JFE Holdings and Mitsubishi Corporation announced a second memorandum of understanding (MOU) toward the joint development of a power business and data center project in the Ohgishima, Keihin District, Kanagawa Prefecture. [1] Under this MOU, the companies will advance the business plan with the aim of entering into a joint venture agreement. The initial MOU, signed in March 2025, aimed to explore the feasibility of this, after which the companies conducted assessments of an integrated power and data center project. By leveraging the advantages of the Ohgishima Area, they were able to find a large-scale site located 20km from central Tokyo with a stable power supply from JFE’s 190 MW captive power plant. The site can support at least 2 data centers, and the companies are targeting the commencement of operations for an initial 60 MW data center in 2031. The feasibility of constructing and operating the data center on 5 hectares of land was confirmed, after which the companies decided to proceed to the joint venture's concretization phase. JFE and Mitsubishi will study the potential supply of green power by leveraging Ohgishima’s planned hydrogen hub to support the future demand for power from continued land use conversion and data center expansion.

[1] https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/news/release/2026/20260406001.html

[Japan] Japan-Indonesia joint conference to strengthen energy security cooperation

As of March 31, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae held a summit meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, in which they agreed to deepen economic ties and cooperation in energy security due to the growing uncertainty over oil and gas supplies from the Iran war. [1] Prime Minister Takaichi stated that “in light of the Iran situation, the strategic importance of resources and energy security is once again being recognized globally.” The two leaders agreed on advancing cooperation including geothermal power project and waste-to-energy under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). They also discussed cooperating for nuclear power, supply chain, LNG, especially since the Memoranda of Cooperation regarding critical minerals and nuclear energy were signed earlier in March 2026.

[1] https://japan.kantei.go.jp/105/diplomatic/202603/31indonesia.html

[Japan] Japan and Canada sign strategic agreement in defense and energy

As of March 6, 2026, the Prime Ministers of Canada and Japan released a joint statement on the Canada-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape and protect joint interests. [1] The two countries established a Canada-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Roadmap which will provide concrete direction for the cooperation. It prioritizes security and defense, economic security, supply chains and technology, trade and investment, energy security and food security, the Arctic, environment and climate cooperation, and academic and cultural exchanges. Listed strategic sectors for cooperation include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and supply chains.

[1] https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2026/03/06/joint-statement-canada-japan-comprehensive-strategic-partnership

[Japan] JERA, QatarEnergy, and METI sign MOU for emergency supply

As of February 3, 2026, JERA announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and QatarEnergy to establish a trilateral cooperation framework to secure more liquefied natural gas supplies in emergencies. [1] Under the MOU, if global LNG market tightness or large-scale natural disasters in Japan threaten stable domestic energy supply, and if METI determines that the conditions warrant action, METI may request QatarEnergy to consider supplying additional LNG to Japanese buyers including JERA. Qatar has already been a key LNG supplier to Japanese buyers including JERA for over three decades. The MOU is intended to enable coordination between METI and QatarEnergy to allow for flexible response and stable energy supply in Japan.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20260203_2352

[Japan] JERA signs first long-term LNG supply agreement with Torrent Power

As of December 8, 2025, JERA announced the signing of its first long-term LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to supply LNG outside Japan with India’s utility company, Torrent Power. [1] JERA will supply four LNG cargoes a year under the agreement, or 270,000 tons per annum. The supply will occur for a period of ten years starting in 2027. The LNG procured under this agreement will be used by Torrent to operate its 2,730 MW portfolio of combined cycle Gas-Based power plants in India. The partnership aims to leverage the complementary seasonal demand patterns of Japan and India, where JERA will optimize utilization of its global fleet during low-demand by supplying to Torrent during India’s high-demand windows. JERA intends to continue building an LNG portfolio across the Middle East, Asia, and the United States, while expanding its LNG sales footprint into the Asian markets.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20251208_2324

[Japan] JERA partners with Newlab New Orleans to advance low-concentration CO2 capture technologies

As of December 3, 2025, JERA has entered a partnership with Newlab New Orleans, a startup platform focused on the critical technologies for energy and industry of the Gulf South. [1] The partnership aims to accelerate next-generation carbon capture technologies designed for low-concentration CO2 emissions. Newlab is a global venture platform supporting the development of new technologies through infrastructure and partnerships. Newlab New Orleans is the organization’s public-private innovation hub in Louisiana, which provides a unique environment to test and deploy early-stage technologies. Although Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has advanced significantly, capturing CO2 from lower-concentration sources remains a complex challenge. Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT) produce low-CO2 emissions, making conventional capture methods costly and inefficient. JERA and Newlab New Orleans have launched a program to evaluate, test, and advance startups under conditions representative of real industrial emissions. They will select a group of Point Source Capture startups and identify one technology for deeper development and commercialization in 2026.

[1] https://www.jera.co.jp/en/news/information/20251203_2322

[Japan] Niigata governor approves TEPCO’s first nuclear reactor restart since Fukushima

As of November 21, 2025, Niigata Governor Hideo Hanazumi agreed to the restart of a nuclear reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant, the first for operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) since the 2011 Fukushima accident. [1] A public opinion survey conducted in the summer of 2025 revealed that the safety and disaster prevention measures at the plant are not sufficiently recognized by residents of Niigata prefecture. According to the survey, younger generations between the ages of 20-30 tend to be more supportive of restarting the plant compared to older generations. The issue of how to approach the potential restart of the plant has been a long-standing concern for residents as opinions are very divided. The governor has stated that if he receives approval from the assembly to continue serving as governor, he will report the move to the national government, thereby ending the process of obtaining local consent. The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) cleared both the No. 6 and No. 7 reactors following safety reviews in 2017. The governor has insisted that the plant is considered necessary to abide by the national policy that is advancing the use of nuclear power generation for its stability, self-sufficiency, and ability to address vulnerabilities in Japan’s power supply structure.

[1] https://www.pref.niigata.lg.jp/uploaded/attachment/471705.pdf

[Japan] Japan investment in US increases exponentially

As of October 28, 2025, the US signed a critical minerals agreement with Japan, and deepened US-Japan cooperation in trade, supply chain resilience, and energy security, among other areas. [1] President Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed the US-Japan Framework Agreement in which Japanese companies outline their investment plans In American critical energy infrastructure, AI infrastructure, electronics, and supply chain, critical minerals, manufacturing, and more. [2] The critical minerals agreement primarily aims to diversify the critical minerals supply chain and review inbound investment and address risks from outbound investments. In the way of energy security, Tokyo Gas and JERA announced letters of intent with Glenfarne for LNG offtake from a pipeline set to be constructed in Alaska. JERA also announced an investment in Louisiana’s Haynesville Shale basin. Global Coal Sales Group announced a multi-year deal with Tohoku Electric Power for US-sourced thermal coal. The US and Japan also signed an MOC for a US-Japan Technology Prosperity Deal to cooperate on AI adoption and innovation. Additional areas of collaboration include research security, quantum information science and technology, fusion energy, and more.

[1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/10/28195/

[2] https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2025/10/20251028002/20251028002-a.pdf

[Japan] Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae remarks regarding Trump’s visit to Japan

As of October 28, 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi held her first in-person summit meeting with President Trump. [1] The meeting centered on strengthening the Japan-US alliance, and expanding cooperation with partners such as Japan-US-ROK, Japan-US-Philippines, and Japan-US-Australia-India. Prime Minister Takaichi conveyed to President Trump Japan’s intention to strengthen economic security cooperation in areas such as critical minerals, rare earths, AI, and other advanced technologies. President Trump and the Prime Minister signed documents on the implementation of a bilateral agreement and on cooperation in rare earths and critical minerals. Japan intends to focus on economic growth by implementing this bilateral agreement that was reached in July.

[1] https://japan.kantei.go.jp/104/statement/202510/28kaiken.html?

[Japan] Prime Minister Takaichi's policy speech and energy security vision

As of October 24, 2025, newly elected Prime Minister Takaichi delivered a policy speech at the 219th session of the Diet, covering national security, economics, food security, healthcare, energy security, and other areas. [1] Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized the need for a stable and affordable energy supply to maintain Japan’s competitiveness. She highlighted that nuclear power and perovskite solar cells are especially important. Furthermore, she stated the intention to maximize the use of carbon-free energy sources while “promoting energy conservation and fuel conversion through photonics-electronics convergence technology and other means.” Additionally, she mentioned that Japan will aim to achieve early implementation of next-generation innovative reactors and fusion energy. 

[1] https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/104/statement/2025/1024shoshinhyomei.html

[Japan] Takaichi Sanae, newly elected leader of Japan’s ruling party, makes nuclear center-stage

As of October 4, 2025, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected Takaichi Sanae as its new leader. [1] She has pushed to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies and has previously called for making the country 100 percent energy self-sufficient by deploying next-generation reactors, such as small modular reactors (SMRs). She asserts that since fusion requires no uranium or plutonium and produces no high-level radioactive waste, while providing highly efficient power generation, it is worth focusing on. She is likely to prioritize nuclear energy to curb Japan’s carbon emissions. She has previously expressed concerns about solar power, opposing the installation of foreign-made solar panels on the land. Japan currently imports most of its solar modules from overseas. She has also expressed support for perovskite panels, next-generation solar films that are said to be more energy efficient and flexible.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-SoqRh6sWM

[Japan] Shizen Energy reaches 100 MW in long-term PPA with Microsoft

As of October 3, 2025, Shizen Energy has reached 100 MW of executed Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements with Microsoft Corporation for four solar power projects in Japan. [1] After the initial Purchase Agreement for the Inuyama Solar Power Plant, three additional 20-year agreements have been signed. The new solar power plants are located in Kyushu and Chugoku regions, with the Kyushu plant having started operations. The other projects are under construction and will be operated by Shizen Operations Inc. Inuyama had been Microsoft’s first renewable energy purchase deal in Japan, which has enabled the growing presence of Renewable Power Purchase agreements in the Japanese market.

[1] https://www.shizenenergy.net/en/2025/10/03/seg_vppa_microsoft_100mw/

[Japan] NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries achieved highest efficiency in laser wireless power transmission

As of September 17, 2025, NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries conducted an optical wireless power transmission experiment using laser beam to wirelessly transmit energy 1 kilometer away. [1] This marks the world’s highest achieved efficiency in an optical wireless power transmission using a silicon photoelectric conversion element, in an environment with strong atmospheric turbulence. This demonstrates the feasibility of delivering power to long distances, a development with many potential applications to on-demand power transmission to remote islands and disaster-stricken areas. The experiment combined NTT’s beam shaping technology with MHI’s light receiving technology to improve efficiency. In this experiment, the average electrical power extracted from the receiving panel was 152 W, corresponding to a wireless power transmission efficiency of 15%.

[1] https://www.mhi.com/news/250917.html