Japan Wants Canadian Oil and New Pipelines Make It Possible, Says Ambassador

Japan’s ambassador to Canada delivered a very important message to Canadians last week: his country wants improved access to our oil, and the new West Coast pipeline to the Robert Banks Terminal in BC could finally make that a reality ^[1].

In a recent interview with CTV News, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi highlighted a major opportunity for Canada to strengthen its role as a trusted energy supplier to one of the world’s largest economies amid continued geopolitical uncertainty.

His comments come as countries across Asia continue looking for secure, dependable sources of energy. For Japan, that challenge is especially urgent; between 90 and 95 percent of its oil imports currently come from the Middle East ^[2], leaving the country highly exposed to supply disruptions stemming from ongoing conflicts.

Speaking about the risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the need for a new West Coast oil pipeline in Canada, the ambassador said:

“We have to think very differently. We have to have the diversification of the source of crude oil, and also, I told you, trust. That Canada has trust.”

Canada’s Trade Opportunity with Japan

With new pipelines, Japan buying Canadian oil is now a reality, says Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi.

The world wants more Canadian energy.

New pipelines can help diversify our trade, maximize the value of our resources, and help secure a prosperous future for Canadian families. pic.twitter.com/uV69sNcb65

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) July 13, 2026

Yamanouchi’s statement speaks to the heart of Canada’s opportunity. In a world where energy security has become a top priority, trust matters. Our trading partners are not just looking for supply; they want stable, reliable, democratic partners that can deliver energy reliably over the long term – as we’ve heard from nations across Asia and Europe for the past several years.

Canada is uniquely positioned to meet that need, with abundant energy resources, world-class expertise, and now, the trade infrastructure underway to get more of our oil and natural gas to new global markets.

Yamanouchi also highlighted just how well positioned Canada is to meet Japanese demand if the right infrastructure is built. On the prospect of a new oil pipeline, he said:

“Canada has an enormous intention to be an energy superpower, and Canada sees Japan as a close friend, then Japan sees Canada as a great partner. And access from Canada to Japan, very, very good navigation, only takes 10 days.”

With improved pipeline access to tidewater, more Canadian oil can reach major Asian markets efficiently, helping diversify our exports beyond the United States while opening new long-term commercial relationships with reliable partners.

Economic Impact of New Oil Pipelines

Expanded energy trade with Japan – and other nations like India and South Korea – would mean billions of dollars in new economic activity, more jobs across construction, engineering, operations, manufacturing, transportation, and port services, and increased government revenues that help fund the public services Canadians rely on.

Every major energy pipeline and its corresponding export facilities built in this country help to create long-lasting economic benefits not only for producing regions like Alberta and British Columbia, but also for supply chain workers and businesses from coast to coast.

A 1-million-barrel-per-day (bpd) pipeline to the West Coast, for example, would create an estimated 140,000 jobs at the peak of construction and another 50,000 during operations ^[3]. Additionally, 15 per cent of all jobs would be outside Alberta and British Columbia, making it one of the most impactful major nation-building projects our country can undertake ^[3].

The Ambassador was also candid about a significant challenge that Canada has faced for years: we have the resources, but without enough infrastructure, we cannot fully reach overseas customers. But now, with new pipeline capacity to the West Coast, that could all change.

“To be very frank with you, before these pipelines there was not so much… possibility that Japan imports Canadian crude oil because of lack of infrastructure to all the oil existing in Alberta. But once you have the pipelines, you have the facility to export your oil to Asia, then that’s a totally different story.”

Yamanouchi has not been shy about his country’s desire for more Canadian energy over the years. As far back as 2023, he and other Japanese officials have been very vocal about the opportunity for Canada to help Japan diversify its energy supply away from less reliable sources.

Pipeline Momentum is Building

It's better for Japan to diversify its sources of crude oil, says Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi, and Canada has enormous potential with new pipeline capacity underway.

Japan has been asking for more Canadian energy for years.

It's time we deliver -- creating good jobs,… pic.twitter.com/1vLc8y1LWf

— Oil Sands Action (@OilsandsAction) July 15, 2026

The good news is that momentum behind new pipeline infrastructure appears to be building. New projects have been announced, and provincial and federal leaders seem to be in lockstep to make it happen.

According to Prime Minister Mark Carney, the benefits of new oil pipeline capacity to global markets are huge.

“It does another thing, which is that it makes us more independent. With this project, with TMX, we’ll shift from exporting 98% of our oil to the United States… to about 66%... That’s a big shift. It means a higher price for all our oil, it means more options… and it means people want to do more with Canada because we can do more with them.” ^[4]

Ambassador Yamanouchi’s message is clear: Japan sees real potential in Canadian oil, and new pipeline projects are the key to making that trading relationship possible.

Canada Needs New Pipelines

For Canada’s future, the path forward is also clear. If we want to grow our economy, diversify our markets, generate more government revenues, support good-paying jobs, and strengthen our position as a global energy leader, we must build the trade infrastructure that allows Canadian resources to reach the world.

The world is asking for more Canadian energy. Canada seems ready, but if we've learnt anything from the past, now we need to put one foot in front of the other and ensure these projects are built.

The world needs more Canadian energy, mining, food, and forestry products. pic.twitter.com/KoGrU49rMe

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) July 15, 2026

SOURCES:

_{1 - https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/international/2026/07/09/enormous-potential-japan-looks-to-new-canadian-oil-pipeline-as-middle-east-supply-crunch-drags-on/}

_{2 - https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/japans-middle-east-energy-dependency-how-it-mitigates-shocks-2026-03-04/}

_{3 - https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2026/07/02/canada-and-alberta-advance-west-coast-pipeline-project-proposal-and}

_{4 - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MRFbH7jm46E}