Japanese prime minister opposes energy-saving measures

Tokyo, Japan: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday took a negative stance on limiting energy usage amid supply uncertainties due to the war in the Middle East, saying economic activity should not be stopped.

"I do not believe economic or social activity should be halted at this point," Takaichi said during a parliament session in response to the need to implement emergency economic measures.

She added that her government is working to secure oil supplies from other sources. Takaichi said that, for now, she does not see the need to compile a supplementary budget, following the approval of a record budget for the 2026 fiscal year in early April.

The prime minister added that the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East means the government will "be flexible in taking necessary measures in response to circumstances."

These statements come amid the repercussions of the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, against the backdrop of the war raging in the region since late February, which has raised concerns about oil supplies, particularly for Asian countries that rely heavily on energy imports from the Middle East, most notably Japan.