It is related to Japan's energy lifeline! Minister Sanae Takaichi confirms: Japanese associated ships successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takichi confirmed that a ship connected to Japan has passed through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Japan continues to lobby Iran to ensure that all ships can safely pass through this vital route. Takichi posted on platform X that the ship passed through the blocked waterway on April 29 and is on its way to Japan, but did not disclose the name of the ship. She said, "We seize every opportunity to urge Iran to ensure that all ships, including those from Japan, can pass through the Strait of Hormuz freely and safely." Earlier reports stated that a large oil tanker connected to Japan sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz late Tuesday and updated its destination to Nagoya, Japan early Wednesday. This is one of the largest tankers to leave the strait since the U.S. began blocking Iranian ports two weeks ago, causing near stagnation in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Since Iran began blocking the Strait of Hormuz following attacks by the U.S. and Israel at the end of February, ships connected to Japan have also passed through the strait. However, the cargo carried by these ships has been limited to other goods. Earlier this month, another Japanese shipping company's liquefied petroleum gas carrier crossed the strait with assistance from India. In recent weeks, senior Japanese officials have been holding talks with Iranian officials, urging the reopening of the strait and working to end the three-month-long conflict through diplomatic means. It is reported that Japan's self-sufficiency rate for crude oil is less than 0.5%, with over 99% depending on imports, and the reliance on Middle East oil has been over 90% in recent years. Due to restricted supply of oil from the Middle East, gasoline prices in Japan reached a historical high of 190.8 yen per liter in mid-April, prompting the Japanese government to restart subsidies to keep prices around 170 yen. The soaring energy prices have cast a shadow over Japan's economic prospects. The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate at 0.75% this week and signaled a slightly hawkish policy stance. The Bank of Japan emphasized in its statement the need to monitor the situation in the Middle East and oil price trends. Many economists predict that the Bank of Japan will raise rates in June.