TOKYO, Nov. 26 — Venture Global signed a 20-year agreement to supply Tokyo Gas with 1 million metric tons per annum of liquefied natural gas starting in 2030. The companies announced the deal on Wednesday, confirming one of Japan’s largest recent commitments to long-term U.S. energy supply.
The contract is Venture Global’s fourth long-term agreement with a Japanese buyer. The company said it has secured 7.75 million tons per annum of long-term LNG contracts over the last six months.
Japan’s Rising LNG Demand
Japan continues to increase purchases of U.S. LNG as it seeks stable and flexible energy sources. The country’s new energy plan, the growing need for power in data centers, and higher costs for cleaner energy have renewed interest in long-term LNG deals.
Japan is the world’s second-largest importer of LNG after China. Officials have emphasized the need for diversified supply as geopolitical risks, including reduced Russian gas flows since 2022, reshape global energy markets. Buyers in Europe and Asia have rushed to secure long-term U.S. contracts following the invasion of Ukraine, pushing demand for American LNG to record levels.
Venture Global is the second-largest LNG exporter in the United States. The U.S. remains the world’s top exporter of the super-chilled fuel.
Contract highlights
Tokyo Gas said the agreement will help ensure stable feedstock procurement and expand its LNG trading activities. “Through this procurement, we will diversify our LNG suppliers and secure flexible, destination-free terms, helping ensure stable feedstock procurement and expand our LNG trading,” the company said.
Japanese utilities often prefer U.S. contracts because they do not include destination clauses, which restrict where cargoes can be sent. The added flexibility supports Japan’s efforts to reduce reliance on Australia and Russia.
The companies did not disclose financial terms of the deal.
Broader context
Japan’s LNG purchases from the United States have increased steadily this year. Venture Global signed a 1 million ton per annum agreement with Mitsui earlier in November, following a 2023 deal with JERA. Kyushu Electric Power also agreed to purchase 1 million tons per annum.
With JERA’s 5.5 million ton announcement and other recent contracts, Japan’s U.S. LNG commitments in 2025 have reached at least 8.5 million tons. The country imported roughly 66 million tons of LNG in 2024.
Japan’s trend toward long-term supply agreements aligns with broader industry expectations that LNG will remain a critical component of the global energy mix. The shift also reflects Japan’s focus on balancing energy security with rising electricity needs driven by artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
As the United States expands its role in the global LNG market, long-term commitments from major Asian buyers are likely to shape investment decisions and future export capacity. The Venture Global–Tokyo Gas agreement underscores the strategic importance of U.S. LNG in meeting Asia’s long-term energy requirements.
