Middle East Conflict Hits Kyushu and Okinawa Companies Hard

Apr 13, 2026 | News On Japan

FUKUOKA - More than 80% of companies in Japan’s Kyushu and Okinawa regions say they are experiencing negative impacts from the ongoing situation in the Middle East, according to a survey released by Tokyo Shoko Research on April 13th.

The survey, conducted among 686 companies across Kyushu and Okinawa, found that 561 firms reported adverse effects linked to the Middle East situation.

Among the reasons cited, 412 companies pointed to rising gasoline prices, while 398 said increasing costs of oil-derived materials and raw inputs were putting pressure on their operations.

The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing tensions involving attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, which have effectively led to continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

According to the survey, 158 companies said they may be forced to review their management strategies if the conflict continues for two to three months.

Meanwhile, 93 companies reported that they have already begun revising their business strategies, highlighting a growing divide in how firms are responding to the prolonged instability.

Source: FBS

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