Japan Seeks Resolution on Strait of Hormuz, Navigates Complex Alliance with US

WASHINGTON – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with President Donald Trump on Thursday, March 19, 2026, to discuss escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirm the US-Japan alliance. The meeting came after President Trump called on allies, including Japan, to assist in securing the vital waterway, a request met with cautious responses due to Japan’s constitutional limitations.

Constitutional Constraints and Japanese Position

Takaichi addressed the issue of potential military support, explaining to President Trump the legal constraints imposed by Article 9 of Japan’s pacifist Constitution. This provision, drafted by the United States after World War II, restricts Japan’s ability to engage in military conflict or deploy forces abroad. “Although the conversation dealt with sensitive issues, there was consensus that ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz is of the utmost importance. However, there are certain actions that we can or cannot take within the framework of Japanese law,” Takaichi stated to reporters following the meeting (AP News).

Despite these limitations, Takaichi emphasized Japan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution and stable energy supply. She conveyed Japan’s position on the need for a “prompt resolution of the situation” in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil transits, a significant portion destined for Asian economies like Japan (AP News).

Economic Cooperation and Energy Security

During the meeting, Takaichi proposed a joint project with the US to store crude oil acquired from the United States. This initiative builds upon an existing agreement where Tokyo committed to purchasing approximately $7 billion in US hydrocarbons annually in exchange for reduced tariffs from 24% to 15% (AP News).

Both nations have already taken steps to mitigate potential oil price increases by releasing reserves – 172 million barrels from the US strategic reserve and 80 million barrels from Japan’s (AP News).

Expanding Bilateral Collaboration

Beyond energy security, the discussions extended to broader areas of cooperation. Three documents were finalized during the visit, focusing on collaboration in critical mineral projects, including the development of rare earth sludge extraction and marine mineral resources around Minamitorishima, Japan’s easternmost island (AP News).

a joint project valued at approximately $40 billion was announced to develop small modular nuclear reactors in Tennessee and Alabama. Japan also pledged an investment of around $33 billion to produce natural gas in Texas and Pennsylvania. In the realm of defense, the two countries agreed to advance joint development and production of missiles (AP News).

Trump’s Push for Alliance Support

President Trump has been actively seeking support from allies to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, following increased tensions with Iran. He previously criticized Japan for not responding to his calls for assistance (BBC News). Trump invoked the historical context of Pearl Harbor during the meeting, referencing the element of surprise in military strategy (AP News).

The meeting between Takaichi and Trump underscores the complex dynamics of the US-Japan alliance as both nations navigate the challenges posed by the evolving situation in the Middle East.