The latest crisis in the Middle East has made that harder to ignore. As disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continue, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized US allies for doing too little to help secure one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.Japan, heavily dependent on Persian Gulf crude, has clear stakes in the outcome. Yet Tokyo has responded with caution, citing Article 9 of its constitution and the limits it imposes on military action.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has acknowledged the importance of securing the Strait of Hormuz but emphasized that legal constraints limit what Tokyo can do. It was almost customary. Japan would act if it could, but its constitution prevents it from doing so.