- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year.
Japan Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 90.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 7.9% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports dataset of Japan from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s LNG import patterns, highlighting import trends, supply developments, and changes across the natural gas trade sector. Measured in billion cubic metres (bcm), the dataset represents the total annual volume of LNG imported into Japan.
Japan Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 115.9 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 90.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−22.1%), an average of −3.1% a year. The series high was 115.9 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 and the low 90.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2023) is 25.60 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was −7.9% in 2023.
Among the 22 countries in this dataset, Japan ranks 2 for 2023, behind China (97.80 Billion Cubic Metres) and South Korea (60.60 Billion Cubic Metres). It accounts for 16.4% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Billion Cubic Metres | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Trough | 90.30 | −7.9% |
| 2022 | 98.00 | −3.2% |
| 2021 | 101.2 | −0.5% |
| 2020 | 101.7 | −3.6% |
| 2019 | 105.5 | −6.6% |
| 2018 | 113 | −0.8% |
| 2017 | 113.9 | +0.3% |
| 2016 | 113.6 | −2% |
| 2015Peak | 115.9 | — |
Regional context
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports by country, 2023, Billion Cubic Metres. Japan is highlighted.
Data definition
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
The data includes all internationally traded LNG cargoes imported through LNG receiving terminals and regasification facilities for domestic consumption, storage, or onward distribution. It covers LNG imported under long-term contracts, spot market purchases, and short-term agreements from exporting countries. The indicator includes LNG received for use across electricity generation, industrial processes, residential and commercial applications, and other natural gas-consuming sectors after regasification. Imports are recorded regardless of the country of origin and are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs data, port records, and national energy reporting methodologies, enabling consistent comparison of LNG import volumes across countries and over time.
The data excludes domestically produced natural gas, pipeline natural gas imports and exports, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not imported as LNG. It also excludes LNG exports, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, transit shipments that do not enter domestic supply, and inventory changes unless specifically incorporated into national energy balances. The indicator does not measure LNG consumption, regasification capacity, storage capacity, terminal utilization rates, or the economic value of LNG imports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
It serves as an important indicator of energy security, electricity generation requirements, supply diversification, and the role of LNG within Japan’s energy system.
Japan imported 115.9 bcm of LNG in 2015, declining to 113.6 bcm in 2016 before increasing slightly to 113.9 bcm in 2017. Imports decreased to 113.0 bcm in 2018 and 105.5 bcm in 2019. LNG imports declined further to 101.7 bcm in 2020 and 101.2 bcm in 2021 before falling to 98.0 bcm in 2022 and reaching a review-period low of 90.3 bcm in 2023. The steady decline reflected changing electricity generation patterns and improvements in energy efficiency.
Overall, the dataset indicates a gradual downward trend in Japan’s LNG imports throughout the review period. Lower import volumes were influenced by reduced natural gas demand, diversification of the power generation mix, improved energy efficiency, and evolving energy policies. Annual fluctuations also reflected economic conditions, seasonal demand, and developments in global LNG markets.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating Japan’s LNG import outlook, analyzing import dynamics, and assessing future supply requirements. It supports market research, infrastructure planning, investment evaluation, and policy development while providing insights for researchers, industry stakeholders, analysts, and policymakers monitoring energy security, LNG trade trends, import patterns, and the evolving role of LNG within Japan’s energy market.
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
Definition- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
Japan Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 90.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 7.9% on 2022.
Japan Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 115.9 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 90.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−22.1%), an average of −3.1% a year. The series high was 115.9 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 and the low 90.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
The highest value was 115.9 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 and the lowest was 90.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023.
Included: The data includes all internationally traded LNG cargoes imported through LNG receiving terminals and regasification facilities for domestic consumption, storage, or onward distribution. It covers LNG imported under long-term contracts, spot market purchases, and short-term agreements from exporting countries. The indicator includes LNG received for use across electricity generation, industrial processes, residential and commercial applications, and other natural gas-consuming sectors after regasification. Imports are recorded regardless of the country of origin and are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs data, port records, and national energy reporting methodologies, enabling consistent comparison of LNG import volumes across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes domestically produced natural gas, pipeline natural gas imports and exports, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not imported as LNG. It also excludes LNG exports, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, transit shipments that do not enter domestic supply, and inventory changes unless specifically incorporated into national energy balances. The indicator does not measure LNG consumption, regasification capacity, storage capacity, terminal utilization rates, or the economic value of LNG imports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
Need more data?
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.