One Japanese-affiliated vessel that had been stranded in the Persian Gulf successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on May 14 and has evacuated outside the Persian Gulf, now sailing toward Japan. The vessel in question has four Japanese crew members on board.
Following the transit of one Japanese-affiliated vessel on April 29, the realization of this transit is once again viewed as a positive development, including from the perspective of protecting Japanese nationals. As a result, the number of Japanese-affiliated vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf has decreased to 39, of which one vessel has three Japanese crew members on board.
In connection with this vessel’s transit, the government has undertaken various coordination efforts, including my direct outreach to President Pezeshkian, as well as efforts led by Foreign Minister Motegi involving our embassy on the ground and other parties.
More than two months have passed since the incident occurred, and the crew members of Japanese-affiliated vessels in the Persian Gulf must be enduring significant hardships, while I imagine their families are deeply worried as well.
I would like to once again express my heartfelt gratitude to the crew members who are carrying out their duties under extremely high tension, as well as to everyone at the operating companies.
The government will continue to actively pursue all diplomatic efforts and coordination to achieve, as soon as possible, the transit of the Strait of Hormuz for all vessels, including Japanese-affiliated ones.
: Sanae Takaichi
Prime Minister of Japan