Japanese trade minister Toshimitsu Motegi calls for early U.S. approval for exports to his country of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Japanese minister made his request at a meeting with Acting Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman, stating that securing a relatively cheap energy source is crucial for Japan, reports the 'Wall Street Journal' citing Kyodo news. Mr. Poneman told Mr. Motegi at a recent press conference that he fully recognized that U.S. LNG exports are an urgent issue for Tokyo and that the Energy Department will examine each project in line with U.S. law in a responsible manner. In a think tank forum in Washington earlier in the day, the minister of economy, trade and industry also emphasized the merits of allowing U.S. LNG exports to Japan and other economies.