The LNG Sector in Japan’s Relations with the Middle East

Abstract

To evaluate the factors behind Japanese political and economic interests in the Middle East and its link to the LNG industry, the history and dynamics driving the expansion of the LNG sector in Japan have been identified to provide a contextualization. Given Japan’s historical energy security needs, its relations with the Middle East have been important to economic development. The LNG sector has proved to be a vital driver of interaction with important Middle Eastern nations, particularly Qatar, and a way to enhance commerce, technology transfer, and energy security considerations.