Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko plans to visit Qatar and Bahrain from Aug. 28 to collaborate with regional actors to help ease tensions in the region, Kyodo News quoted diplomatic sources as saying. Kamikawa intends to meet with her counterparts and key figures in both Arab countries to reaffirm cooperation toward improving the situation.

There is a mounting concern among Japanese energy circles over the escalating tension between Iran and Israel. The increasing attacks by Israel against Lebanon, a direct challenge to the Iran-backed Hezbollah, and the looming threat of a potential Iranian attack against Israel underscore the urgent need for diplomatic intervention. The potential disruption of oil and gas shipments to Japan, particularly through the Hermiz Straits, in the event of a full-blown conflict, could have a significant negative impact on Japan’s energy security.

While it is not yet clear if the Japanese foreign minister is bringing a specific initiative, the choice of Qatar and Bahrain for her visit is significant. Qatar, with its close ties to Iran and its established dialogue channels with both Hamas and Israel, plays a crucial mediating role in the war in the Gaza Strip. On the other hand, Bahrain, as this year’s chair of the Arab League, a 22-member regional organization, holds the potential to influence regional dynamics. Kamikawa’s meetings in these countries aim to reaffirm cooperation to improve the situation.

Japan’s apprehension is rooted in the potential disruption of oil and gas shipments to Japan, particularly through the Hermiz Straits, in the event of a full-blown conflict. An expert told Arab News Japan that such a scenario could lead to a significant disruption of energy resources, dealing a severe blow to the Japanese economy.

Japan’s crude oil security is heavily reliant on Arab countries, which account for nearly 95% of its imports. This heavy reliance underscores the vulnerability of Japan’s energy resources in the face of escalating tensions in the Middle East. With no immediate breakthrough in the region’s geopolitical landscape, Japan has adopted a more proactive diplomatic approach through Kamikawa’s visit, the expert said.