The U.S. is intensifying efforts to inhibit an important revenue source for the Kremlin – LNG. While Europe is slowly shaking its dependence on Russian LNG, Washington is also turning up the diplomatic heat on Asian allies – for example putting pressure on Japan, which is uncharacteristically pushing back against its dominant ally.

While China is benefitting from discounted cargoes coming from its friendly northern neighbor, Japan finds itself in a more difficult spot. Russian gas from the Sakhalin-2 project on the Pacific coast accounts for 9% of Japan’s total LNG imports. Also, Japanese trading houses, Mitsui and Mitsubishi, are equity partners in the project.

When it comes to Washington’s requests, both within and outside the energy sphere, Tokyo rarely seeks an entirely different path, but in the case of Russian LNG imports Prime Minister Takaichi has clearly said ‘NG’ to Trump.

The reason why is simple – LNG is a key source for Japan’s energy security and diversification of sources is a priority. LNG maintains a crucial role in Japan’s overall energy strategy, especially as a back-up fuel in times of emergency.

In the post-Soviet period Russia has been an important and reliable energy supplier. Tokyo is trying to walk a fine tightrope between the demands of its main ally and business partner across the ocean and its next-door resource-rich neighbor.