BHP has seven coal mining operations generating the mineral for use in steel production in a partnership with Japan’s Mitsubishi

Japan's aims is to send a clear signal of government backing for the project and bucks moves by West that has prohibited firms from making new investments in Russia

The Reuters Tankan showed sentiment among Japanese manufacturers and the services sector improving only modestly over the next three months

Abe was best known for his signature “Abenomics” policy that featured bold monetary easing and fiscal spending. He also bolstered defence spending after years of declines