Houthi rebels have seized control around key sea straits, leading to a significant spike in oil prices. The conflict, centred in Middle Eastern waters, continues to escalate and is causing global economic disruptions due to the critical role these straits play in oil transportation. This development hits Japan particularly hard due to the country's heavy reliance on imported oil.

Japan, largely devoid of natural oil sources, heavily depends on oil imports to fuel its energy demands. Major fluctuations in oil prices, hence, significantly impact its economy. Concerns over Japan’s energy security are completing headlines given its reliance on the volatile Middle East for oil imports. Japan's energy policy and maritime security are in the spotlight as ever.

Similar to EU, Japan relies heavily on international oil imports, although the US is more insulated due to its domestic production. Like EU countries, Japan may have to revisit its energy policies and strengthen diplomatic ties with alternative oil producers to alleviate its dependency on the Middle East and mitigate the impacts of such crises.