Japan is striving to secure diplomatic room for maneuver before the US deadline for Iran approaches, while simultaneously accelerating its response to the energy supply shock.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Monday that preparations are underway for summit-level talks with Iranian leaders, and a call with President Trump may also take place. This comes after Trump warned of bombing Iranian power facilities if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz, with a deadline of Tuesday. Takaichi stated in parliamentary answers, &#34;We will do everything in our power to find a way out of the current situation and restore peace.&#34;
The Strait of Hormuz is the critical chokepoint for over 90% of Japan's oil imports. Affected by transit disruptions in the strait, Japan's crude oil imports in March were approximately 52.03 million barrels, a sharp drop to the lowest level since 2013, with imports expected to decline further after April. The Japanese government is intensifying its response, including seeking alternative transport routes, procuring crude oil from regions outside the Middle East, and considering the release of additional national oil reserves in May.
<h2>Japan Seeks to Act as a Buffer Between the US and Iran</h2>
Sanae Takaichi stated in parliament on Monday that Japan is preparing for summit-level talks with Iranian leaders and is also seeking a call with President Trump, though nothing has been finalized. She said Japan would do its utmost before the Tuesday deadline set by Trump.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who previously served as Iran's ambassador to Japan. It remains uncertain whether Japan can play a mediating role in this crisis, but Japan's long-standing diplomatic relationship with Iran provides it with certain channels of communication.
Koichiro Tanaka, a former diplomat from Keio University, pointed out that one of the core issues in the current Middle East situation is who will assume the role of &#34;guarantor&#34; in the region. He stated that if the US refuses to take on this role, it would provide an opportunity for China to fill the void – China also highly depends on the region's oil and energy supply. &#34;The key question is whether the US President, and indeed the US military, can truly accept China having greater say and influence in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf regions?&#34; he said.
<h2>43 Japan-Related Ships Still Stranded in the Strait</h2>
More than a month after the joint US-Iran strikes, some Japan-related ships have recently successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Bloomberg, all French and Japanese vessels have completed their first transit through Hormuz.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a Japanese shipping company, confirmed on Friday that a liquefied natural gas carrier in which it has a stake completed its transit. Another liquefied petroleum gas carrier owned by a subsidiary of the company sailed out of the strait on Saturday. According to an Asahi Shimbun report citing unnamed government officials, the LNG carrier was not heading to Japan, and the Japanese government was not involved in the related transit negotiations.
However, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno stated on Monday that 43 Japan-related ships are still stranded in the strait.
<h2>Government Denies Naphtha Crisis, Considers Additional Reserve Release</h2>
In response to energy supply pressures, the Japanese government is employing multiple strategies. Sanae Takaichi stated on Sunday that Japan currently has eight months' worth of oil reserves and is actively exploring other supply sources. She also denied media reports that Japan would be unable to secure naphtha supply in June.
&#34;We have reserves of naphtha equivalent to at least four months of domestic demand, including imports, domestic production, and intermediate products,&#34; Takaichi wrote on social media, adding that the government is seeking to diversify intermediate product suppliers. &#34;The report claiming 'Japan will be unable to secure supply in June' is incorrect.&#34;
According to data from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan's total domestic oil reserves at the end of 2025 are equivalent to 254 days of consumption. Since March 16 of this year, the Japanese government has released a total of approximately 80 million barrels of oil reserves, equivalent to 45 days of supply, marking the largest release since the establishment of the national oil reserve system in 1978.
Despite this, the oil industry group is still calling for the government to release additional reserves. The medical industry has also issued warnings, urging assurance of naphtha supply – naphtha is a key raw material for medical supplies such as dialysis consumables, medical gloves, and syringes. Industry insiders warn that if the current situation continues, Japan will face a &#34;naphtha crisis&#34; in June, endangering the health of many patients.
According to Japanese media citing sources, the Japanese government is seeking alternative routes to transport crude oil that bypass the Strait of Hormuz and is procuring from regions outside the Middle East. Crude oil imports in May are expected to reach about 60% of the same period last year, with the remaining gap to be filled by additional release of national reserves, a plan that is still under discussion.

At 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Trump delivered a national address, claiming a "rapid and decisive victory" in the US military's war against Iran and stating that core strategic objectives were nearing completion. He emphasized that Iran would never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons and called the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities a "huge success." Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump encouraged countries to "take responsibility for themselves" without providing a clear timetable for its reopening. Escalating tensions in the Middle East have put markets on edge, and the US military may intensify its strikes in the coming weeks. Will the US-Iran conflict end quickly as Trump hopes? How will the energy market evolve?

At 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Trump delivered a national address, claiming a "rapid and decisive victory" in the US military's war against Iran and stating that core strategic objectives were nearing completion. He emphasized that Iran would never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons and called the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities a "huge success." Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump encouraged countries to "take responsibility for themselves" without providing a clear timetable for its reopening. Escalating tensions in the Middle East have put markets on edge, and the US military may intensify its strikes in the coming weeks. Will the US-Iran conflict end quickly as Trump hopes? How will the energy market evolve?

Trump's tough stance: Is the war with Iran nearing its end?

Facing a plunge in crude oil imports and 43 ships stranded, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is urgently mediating high-level US-Iran talks. Japan has accelerated its search for alternative oil sources and is considering releasing additional national oil reserves to fully resolve the imminent energy supply crisis

- Japan is striving for diplomatic mediation before the U.S. deadline regarding Iran while accelerating responses to energy supply disruptions.  
- Prime Minister Kishi Sanae announced preparations for high-level talks with Iranian leaders and potential communication with Trump, as the U.S. threatens military action if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday.  
- Japan's oil imports fell significantly in March, prompting government efforts to diversify supply sources and utilize strategic reserves amidst concerns of a potential supply crisis.

Wallstreetcn

ISHRS S&P Glb Engy

SPDR O&G Ex & Prd

iShares US Oil Equip & Svcs

90% Crude Oil Dependence on Hormuz! Sanae Takaichi Seeks Talks with Iranian Leadership