Joint Statement between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and Natural Resources Canada on Cooperation in the Energy Resources Sector
Statement
October 31, 2025 Toronto, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
On October 31st, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan YAMADA Kenji and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Canada Tim HODGSON met in Toronto on the occasion of the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting to discuss the current situation surrounding global energy security and the direction of bilateral cooperation in the energy resources sector.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) recognize the need for both countries, which share fundamental values in the Indo-Pacific region, to deepen bilateral cooperation in the energy resources sector amid increasing geopolitical risks and rising electricity demand due to factors such as AI, which complicate energy policy navigation.
METI and NRCan support the simultaneous goals of decarbonization, economic growth, and energy security, and acknowledge that there are a variety of pathways to take to meet net zero targets while achieving these goals. In this context, both sides particularly will focus on liquefied natural gas (LNG), nuclear power, and battery storage as areas of cooperation where the needs of the Japanese and Canadian governments and private sectors align. Both sides also recognize that these areas play a significant role in the decarbonization and stable supply of electricity. They also recognize the importance of demand-side management strategies, and consider energy efficiency as the ‘first fuel’ in the clean energy transition as well as a key contributor to energy security.
LNG
METI and NRCan welcome the achievement of the first shipment from LNG Canada in June of this year, in which Japanese companies have invested. Both sides note the role of low-carbon intensity Canadian LNG in energy security and decarbonization for Japan and Asian countries, which are growth centers for the world. Both sides also highlight that additional LNG projects progressing on Canada’s west coast present opportunities to further support the energy security of Japan, and other Asian countries, and recognize that the development of Canadian LNG supply is particularly beneficial in the face of supply risks due to global instability and uncertainty. METI and NRCan will work together to realize a more resilient and low-emission gas supply chain through investments in gas infrastructure, recognizing the importance of the mutually beneficial voluntary collaboration between producers and consumers, as demonstrated by the CLEAN (Coalition for LNG Emission Abatement toward Net-zero) initiative, which is supported by both sides.
Nuclear Power
METI and NRCan welcome cooperation between our industries and financial authorities on building a resilient nuclear supply chain. Both sides will work together to explore opportunities to support the development of nuclear technologies (e.g. advanced and small modular reactors) in third countries, including through capacity-building initiatives and financial packages.
Battery Value Chain
METI and NRCan reviewed the progress related to policy information exchanges, concrete actions taken and joint research projects involving both countries’ research institutions including the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology of Japan and the National Research Council of Canada, as well as industries and other stakeholders in the battery ecosystem, based on the Agreement Between the Government of Japan and the Government of Canada on Cooperation in Science and Technology, done at Tokyo on 7 May 1986 and the Memorandum of Cooperation Concerning Battery Supply Chains (2023). Both sides will continue advancing further actions toward building sustainable and reliable global battery supply chain, including (1) exchanging policy information, (2) promoting trade and investment, and (3) collaborating on research and development.
Japan and Canada recognize that this partnership allows for expanded and deeper ties on energy and economic security. The Memorandum of Cooperation for Cooperation in the Field of Energy (2019), and the Japan-Canada Energy Policy Dialogue provide existing frameworks to broaden and deepen ties specifically related to resource development, energy security, and climate-related challenges.