Japan has taken significant steps to fulfill its commitment of $550 billion in investments in the United States, as announced during the recent tariff agreement between the two nations. On the 18th, both governments unveiled the first three projects which include the production of artificial diamonds, upgrading crude oil export infrastructure, and constructing gas-fired power plants. Major Japanese companies like Toshiba and SoftBank Group are expected to participate in these initiatives, reflecting a strategic shift in investment focus aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains.

The artificial diamond project is particularly noteworthy as these diamonds are crucial in semiconductor manufacturing processes, and currently a large portion of their supply is controlled by China. The project's implementation will see a subsidiary of De Beers, a world leader in diamond mining and distribution, establish a manufacturing facility in Georgia, enabling Japan to secure approximately 75% of the diamond market share previously dominated by China. This move not only promises to stabilize the supply chain for Japanese manufacturers but also addresses concerns over supply vulnerabilities.

In addition to the diamond production, Japan is also investing in infrastructure for exporting U.S. crude oil and gas-fired power generation, with projects planned in Texas and Ohio, respectively. The crude oil export project will facilitate transportation from land to sea and has attracted interest from Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Nippon Steel for ship and pipeline supply. Meanwhile, the gas power plant, which is set to be developed by the SoftBank Group, aims to power AI data centers and will involve collaboration with major equipment suppliers like Toshiba and Hitachi. These investments reflect Japan's broader strategy to enhance its energy security and economic partnership with the United States while reducing its dependency on China.