Japan Petroleum Exploration Co.(JAPEX)has agreed to acquire U.S.shale oil and gas producer Verdad Resources Intermediate Holdings for$1.3 billion.The transaction will be funded through a mix of existing cash reserves and borrowed funds.
Verdad's operations span Wyoming and Colorado,with current output equivalent to 35,000 barrels of oil per day.JAPEX intends to increase production to 50,000 barrels per day by 2030.
This development follows a similar move by JERA,Japan's largest power generator,which in October 2025 announced the purchase of Haynesville basin assets in the United States for$1.5 billion from Williams and GEP Haynesville II.Those assets produce approximately 500 million cubic feet of natural gas daily and include around 200 undeveloped drilling locations.JERA has outlined plans to double output to 1 billion cubic feet per day over time.
Japanese firms continue to expand their involvement in North American energy resources,reflecting efforts to secure diverse and reliable hydrocarbon supplies for the import-dependent nation.
Earlier in 2025,interest surfaced among Japanese companies regarding potential participation in the$44 billion Alaska LNG project.However,considerations around project scale,pipeline requirements,and operating conditions in a cold climate have prompted careful evaluation of costs and feasibility.
Separately,Japanese energy companies have actively secured long-term liquefied natural gas(LNG)supply agreements from U.S.sources to enhance energy security.Since the beginning of 2025,new LNG offtake commitments have totaled 8.5 million tons annually.For reference,Japan's total LNG imports reached approximately 66 million tons in the previous year.
These strategic acquisitions and supply arrangements underscore ongoing initiatives by Japanese enterprises to strengthen access to stable energy resources amid global market dynamics.By establishing direct ownership in producing assets and locking in future volumes,companies aim to support domestic needs while managing exposure to international supply chains.
Industry observers note that such moves contribute to broader diversification efforts,combining upstream investments with midstream and downstream commitments to achieve greater resilience in energy procurement.
