Japan’s Takaichi Leaves Possibility of Energy Saving Calls Open

Tokyo, May 11 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday left open the possibility of her government calling for energy savings amid supply concerns linked to the war in Iran. “We will not rule out any possibility and will respond flexibly” to the situation, Takaichi said at a meeting of the Audit Committee of the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Diet, the country’s parliament. But she added, “We are not at the stage of asking for savings at this point,” citing the need to ensure stable industrial and economic activities. On Japan-related ships stranded in the Persian Gulf, Takaichi said, “We will actively continue all diplomatic efforts and coordination to realize the passage of all ships through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.” Transport minister Yasushi Kaneko said that 40 Japan-linked vessels remain stranded in the gulf. When asked about the need to dissolve the merger of Upper House constituencies by revising the Constitution, Takaichi expressed hope that the Diet would accelerate constructive discussions on the matter. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]