The European Union (EU) plans to impose a ban on Russian gas imports by the end of the year. This move is part of the EU's escalated measures to cut its dependence on Russia for its energy needs. The decision comes amid heightened tensions and is viewed as a demonstration of the EU's increasing push for energy diversification and reliance on renewable sources.

Japan is highly reliant on overseas energy imports, with a significant portion of its gas supplies sourced from Russia. Thus, this development is closely watched by Japan, as it could potentially affect the nation's energy security and economic stability. Japan's pursuit of alternative energy strategies, such as renewable sources and hydrogen, is also tied to these global energy shifts.

Unlike Japan, many EU countries have domestic energy resources and are less dependent on foreign imports, making the decision to ban Russian gas easier from a policy perspective. In the US, the use of fracking technology has greatly boosted domestic production of natural gas over the last decade. This shift has allowed the US to become less reliant on foreign energy sources compared to Japan.