Does the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz constitute a "life-and-death crisis" for Japan?

It is reported that Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is also a vital gateway for energy imports for Japan. In the past, the Japanese government had cited the idea of “minelaying to blockade the strait” as a possible example of circumstances in which collective self-defense rights could be exercised, namely “situations of a grave threat to Japan’s survival.” However, this time, it will carefully assess the situation.

In a press conference on March 2, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, said: “At this stage, we have not yet determined that this constitutes a situation of major impact or a situation of grave threat to Japan’s survival under laws related to security and national interests.”

A situation of grave threat to Japan’s survival is a concept defined in the security-related laws passed in 2015 during the term of the Abe Shinzo administration.

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