Japan PM says Hormuz closure is inflicting enormous impact on Asia-Pacific

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz is inflicting an enormous impact on the Asia-Pacific, as Japan and Australia moved to deepen coordination on energy security.

Takaichi made the remarks on May 4 in Canberra after talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The two countries said they will work together to support stable energy supplies and reduce the disruption caused by the strait crisis.

Why the warning matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas. Any disruption can ripple quickly through energy markets, transport costs and inflation expectations across Asia.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry has already urged free and safe navigation through the strait, and on April 29 said a Japan-related vessel passed through the area.

Japan-Australia response

During the Canberra visit, Japan and Australia announced closer cooperation on energy security, economic security and critical minerals. The Australian government said the two sides would work together to support the flow of essential goods, including fuel and gas.

The joint response reflects how seriously both governments are treating the shipping risk. For Japan, which relies heavily on imported energy, any prolonged disruption in Hormuz is a direct economic concern.

What happens next

The immediate question is whether the strait remains effectively closed or only partially disrupted, and how far the regional energy impact spreads. Further policy responses from other Asia-Pacific governments are possible if the crisis deepens.