Reuters are reporting that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering increasing energy imports from the US, as he prepares to meet President Donald Trump, who has complained about Japan's trade surplus.
Japan is putting together a package of plans for Japanese companies to invest in infrastructure and job-creation projects in the US for Abe to take to the 10 February meeting in Washington.
An alternative idea is to offer to increase LNG imports from the US.
Another option is to increase imports of US shale oil or gas on top of the investment package.
Utilities would be resistant to buying more US shale gas because they have already committed to buying large amounts and Japan's demand for energy is falling.
Prices for LNG in Asia LNG-AS have fallen by almost 20% this year amid a supply glut.