Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed 'serious concern' over attacks on vessels around the Strait of Hormuz during an online G7 leaders' meeting, urging early de-escalation. Japan plans to lead in releasing oil reserves to avert an economic crisis through international coordination.
On March 12, 2026, attacks on vessels around the Strait of Hormuz prompted close monitoring by the Japanese government. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi voiced 'serious concern' at an online G7 leaders' meeting that day, pledging diplomatic efforts for safe navigation in the strait and early de-escalation in the Middle East. She highlighted how disruptions could surge energy prices and impact the global economy, calling for G7 coordination to avert a financial crisis.
Takaichi welcomed the International Energy Agency's decision for a collective oil stock release and stated Japan would lead by releasing its reserves. She reiterated condemnation of Iran for attacking civilian facilities in neighboring countries and threatening strait navigation safety.
Meanwhile, the Japanese-flagged container ship ONE Majesty, operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines through Ocean Network Express, sustained damage while anchored in the Persian Gulf. An impact sound was heard early Wednesday local time, revealing a hole in the stern, but no water ingress or fire occurred, and no crew were injured. The cause remains unclear, with investigations probing links to the ongoing military conflict following the U.S. and Israel's February 28 attack on Iran, after which the strait has been effectively closed. The vessel, about 100 kilometers from the strait, remains operational.
Ocean Network Express is a joint venture of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, NYK Line, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha. The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry reported 45 Japan-connected ships in the Persian Gulf as of Wednesday, with 24 Japanese crew on five. A senior official said, 'There are no issues with the vessel's operation, and no one was injured,' while closely examining the cause.
Additionally, a Mitsui crude oil tanker was damaged on March 4 in the Gulf of Oman by an object seemingly falling from the sky. A Thai cargo ship was attacked near the strait that day, causing an engine room explosion and fire; 20 of 23 crew evacuated and were rescued by Oman's navy, but three remain missing. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the Thai vessel ignored warnings. The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations center reported multiple vessels near the strait damaged by unknown projectiles.
Anticipating reduced oil imports as tankers cannot pass the strait, Japan plans to release reserves starting as early as March 17, including 15 days of private stocks, one month of state reserves, and joint stocks with oil producers—the first independent release. Takaichi instructed emergency measures to keep nationwide average retail gasoline prices around ¥170 per liter, though exceeding ¥200 is possible, covering kerosene, gas oil, and fuel oil.
