Completion of Exploratory Drilling at Offshore Hidaka Area of Hokkaido

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX) has completed the exploratory drilling at offshore Hidaka area of Hokkaido (hereinafter the "Survey") on June 10, 2026, which has been conducted aimed at confirming the presence of natural gas since March 24, 2026.

The Survey was conducted based on the results of the exploratory drilling operations(*) conducted in the area in 2019, the location of which is approximately 5km northwest from the location already drilled (approximately 50km offshore in the Hidaka area of Hokkaido, at a water depth of 1,070m). The Survey has been selected by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a subsidized project under the "Subsidy for Geological Survey for Domestic Oil and Natural Gas in FY2024."

At the Survey location, JAPEX conducted exploratory drilling to a water depth of 1,900 meters, with understanding and cooperation from the local community including fishing industry, and local government. We tested the reservoir where indications of natural gas were recognized during the drilling and confirmed the presence of natural gas in part of the reservoir and acquired geological data.

JAPEX evaluates at this moment that the confirmed natural gas volume does not meet for immediate commercialization, however, we will analyze and evaluate the data obtained through the Survey and further consider the possibility of exploration and development opportunity in the area.

Related News

• "Commence of Exploratory Drilling Survey in the Offshore Hidaka Area of Hokkaido" released on March 25, 2026.