Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX) has completed exploratory drilling at offshore Hidaka area of Hokkaido.

The operation of exploratory drilling is a part of the offshore exploration project commissioned by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (ANRE). The location of the exploration well is at approximately 50 kilometers offshore of Hidaka area of Hokkaido with the water depth of approximately 1,070 meters. The well was safely drilled to a depth of approximately 2,530 meters below the seabed, in support of the understanding and cooperation from the local community and local government.

While various geological data were obtained through the operations, production test was also conducted against the gas reservoir where indications of natural gas existence was recognized, and achieved stable gas 

JAPEX will conduct analysis and evaluation of the data obtained this time, and will further consider the possibility of exploration opportunity in this area. 

Link to JAPEX Japan country page