Japanese oil tanker Shukō Maru transits Strait of Hormuz, draws global attention.

The Japanese oil tanker Idemitsu Maru has arrived at a Japanese port, marking it as the first Japanese‑registered vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the war broke out on February 28. The event has attracted international attention, as the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes, and security concerns in the strait have significant implications for global energy supply.

The Strait of Hormuz lies in the Middle East and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Its two shores are Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The strait’s strategic position makes it a vital conduit for global oil transport, with a large number of tankers passing through daily. However, security issues in the area have long been a global focus, particularly as tensions between Iran and other Middle Eastern states have intensified.

Oil is a vital natural resource and the primary source of global energy supply. It is formed through millions of years of geological processes, primarily from the decomposition of ancient organisms under anoxic conditions. Global oil reserves are unevenly distributed, with the Middle East holding the largest share. Extracting and transporting oil requires sophisticated technology and infrastructure, including drilling, refining, and shipping.

Japan is a resource‑scarce country with a high dependence on foreign energy. Its oil demand is largely met through imports, making the nation highly sensitive to fluctuations in the global oil market. The Idemitsu Maru’s transit of the Strait of Hormuz underscores Japan’s keen interest in maintaining the stability of worldwide energy supplies, and also reflects the country’s significant role in the global energy market