Japan has slashed SoftBank's planned $6.3 billion fee for a US power project amid mounting tensions over the $550 billion trade agreement with Washington. The original fee would have paid Masayoshi Son's company to build and operate a $33 billion gas-fired power station in Ohio, but Tokyo officials intervened after discovering the terms.

SoftBank's final payment will be reduced by over 90%, earning the money over 15-20 years if it reaches 9.2 gigawatts capacity. The dispute reflects growing anxiety in Tokyo about Japan's role in the trade deal, with officials worried the country is being pushed aside in project selection. The power plant represents the first major investment under the agreement, which grants Trump ultimate decision-making authority.

Japanese officials are pushing to put the plant's operation out to tender given SoftBank's limited energy sector experience. The company has already ordered $10 billion in turbines from GE Vernova and plans to sell electricity to data centers serving OpenAI. Funding comes from Japan's export credit agency and commercial lenders, with Japan Bank for International Cooperation also involved. The controversy comes ahead of Prime Minister Takaichi's March 19 summit with Trump, where she plans to announce additional investments including nuclear projects with Westinghouse.