Japan is intensifying efforts to secure diplomatic space before a US-imposed deadline on Iran, while simultaneously accelerating its response to potential energy supply disruptions. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Monday that preparations are underway for a leader-level meeting with Iranian officials, and a separate call with former US President Trump is also being considered. This follows a warning from Trump that the US would target Iranian power facilities if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday. During a parliamentary session, Takaichi affirmed, "We will exhaust all available options to find a resolution to the current situation and restore peace." The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for over 90% of Japan's oil imports. Due to restrictions on transit through the strait, Japan's crude oil imports plummeted to approximately 52.03 million barrels in March, the lowest level since 2013, with a further significant decline anticipated from April onward. The Japanese government is urgently implementing countermeasures, including exploring alternative shipping routes, sourcing crude from regions outside the Middle East, and considering an additional release from its national petroleum reserves in May. Japan is seeking to act as a buffer between the US and Iran. Prime Minister Takaichi told parliament on Monday that Japan is preparing for a leader-level dialogue with Iran while also attempting to arrange a call with Trump, though details have not been finalized. She emphasized that Japan will do everything possible before the Tuesday deadline set by Trump. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has already held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a former ambassador to Japan. While it remains uncertain whether Japan can successfully mediate in this crisis, its longstanding diplomatic ties with Iran provide a viable communication channel. Koichiro Tanaka, a former diplomat now at Keio University, highlighted that a central issue in the current Middle East situation is determining who will assume the role of "guarantor" in the region. He suggested that if the US refuses this role, it could create an opportunity for China to fill the void, given China's own heavy reliance on oil and energy supplies from the area. "The crucial question is whether the US President, and indeed the US military, can truly accept China wielding greater influence and voice in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf regions," he remarked. Forty-three Japan-affiliated vessels remain stranded in the strait. More than a month after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, some Japan-related ships have recently managed to transit the Strait of Hormuz. According to Bloomberg, vessels owned by French and Japanese entities completed the first successful passages. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines confirmed on Friday that a liquefied natural gas carrier in which it holds a stake had completed its transit. Another liquefied petroleum gas carrier owned by a subsidiary of the company departed the strait on Saturday. Citing an unnamed government official, the Asahi Shimbun reported that the LNG carrier was not destined for Japan and that the Japanese government was not involved in negotiations for its passage. However, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated on Monday that 43 Japan-affiliated vessels are still currently held up in the strait. The government has denied reports of a naphtha supply crisis and is considering additional reserve releases. In response to energy supply pressures, the Japanese government is pursuing multiple strategies. On Sunday, Prime Minister Takaichi stated that Japan currently holds an eight-month supply of petroleum reserves and is actively diversifying its supply sources. She also refuted media reports suggesting Japan would face a naphtha supply shortage by June. "We have stockpiled naphtha equivalent to at least four months of domestic demand, including imports, domestic production, and intermediate products," Takaichi wrote on social media, adding that the government is seeking to diversify suppliers of intermediate products. "Reports claiming that 'Japan will be unable to ensure supply by June' are incorrect." Data from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry indicates that, as of the end of 2025, the nation's total petroleum reserves are sufficient for 254 days of consumption. Since March 16 of this year, the government has released a total of approximately 80 million barrels from its reserves, equivalent to 45 days of supply, marking the largest release since the national reserve system was established in 1978. Despite these measures, petroleum industry groups are urging the government to release additional reserves. The medical sector has also issued warnings, emphasizing the need to secure naphtha supplies. Naphtha is a critical raw material for medical products such as dialysis consumables, surgical gloves, and syringes. Industry experts warn that if the current situation persists, Japan could face a "naphtha crisis" by June, jeopardizing the health of numerous patients. Citing informed sources, Japanese media reports indicate that the government is exploring alternative routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz for crude oil transportation and is procuring oil from outside the Middle East. It is estimated that crude imports in May could reach about 60% of the level seen in the same period last year. The shortfall is expected to be covered by an additional release from the national reserves, though specific plans are still under discussion.
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