Takaichi Urges Iran to Ease Tensions in Phone Call With President

Aug 12, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on August 12, urging an early easing of military tensions in the Middle East while stressing the importance of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without additional costs.

The call, the fourth between the two leaders, began at 4:20 p.m. and lasted about 20 minutes as they discussed the latest situation in the Middle East.

Takaichi said the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz had reached an important stage, with Iran continuing discussions with related countries toward reopening the waterway. She told Pezeshkian that it was essential to reduce current military tensions and bring the situation under control as soon as possible.

She also reiterated Japan's position that the United States and Iran should continue talks based on a memorandum agreed to by both sides in June and reach an early final agreement covering the nuclear issue and other matters.

Takaichi said Japan strongly hopes that diplomatic efforts will lead to an early calming of the situation.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Takaichi emphasized that free and safe navigation without additional costs is important and urged Iran to engage fully in discussions with the international community, including countries that use the strait.

Takaichi also expressed deep concern about conditions in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from the standpoint of energy security and called on Iran to strongly press the Houthis to exercise restraint.

She again requested an early resolution of the case involving one Japanese national detained in Iran in April, citing the need to protect Japanese citizens.

Pezeshkian explained Iran's position on the Strait of Hormuz, including the current state of discussions with Oman and the outlook for those talks.

Regarding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Pezeshkian said Iran was working to resolve the issue while maintaining dialogue with Saudi Arabia.

Takaichi said Japan would continue close communication with Iran.

Source: TBS

Okinawa Braces for Typhoon No. 24

Typhoon No. 24 remained nearly stationary south of Japan on September 2 but is forecast to move north toward Okinawa, bringing the risk of sudden heavy rain and stronger winds from the afternoon while waves are expected to rise steadily as the storm lingers nearby. As of 6 a.m. on September 2, the typhoon was located south of Japan and was expected to approach Okinawa while passing to the east of the main island.

Japan to Conduct First Nationwide Survey of Animal Cafes

Japan's Environment Ministry will conduct its first survey of animal cafes, where customers can interact with animals including exotic species, as concerns grow over infection risks, injuries and the welfare burden placed on animals.

Haneda Tightens Baggage Deadline

Haneda Airport introduced two major changes on September 2, opening a new boarding facility at Terminal 1 while moving the checked-baggage deadline for all domestic flights to 30 minutes before departure.

USJ Eyes First-Ever Park Expansion

Universal Studios Japan is considering its first expansion since opening in 2001, with plans to use about 60,000 square meters of former Nippon Steel factory land adjacent to the park and potentially increase its total area by roughly 10%.

Japan Cuts Speed Limit on Residential Roads to 30 km/h

Japan will lower the statutory speed limit on certain residential roads from 60 kilometers per hour to 30 km/h from September 1, with police in Hyogo Prefecture urging drivers to familiarize themselves with the new rules and drive more carefully in neighborhood areas.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Three Opposition Parties Abandon Merger Plans

The leaders of the Centrist Reform Alliance, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito have agreed to abandon plans to merge their three parties, leaving the Centrist Reform Alliance effectively split.

Can Domestic Drone Production Transform Japan's Defense?

Japan is moving to strengthen its defenses against mass drone attacks after Terra Drone became the sole company to advance through a Defense Ministry program for a Japanese-made interceptor drone, drawing on battlefield technology and production methods developed in Ukraine while pushing for domestic production of critical components.

Takaichi Bond Cap Tests Fiscal Credibility As BOJ Pressure Builds

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi moved on August 28 to contain market concern over her government’s spending plans, saying Japan will aim to cap new government bond issuance at around 40 trillion yen in the fiscal 2027 budget while still pursuing food-tax relief, growth investment and measures to support households facing higher prices.

Japan Unveils New Energy Security Policy

Japan has drawn up a new policy package aimed at strengthening energy security in response to developments in the Middle East, including support for alternative oil pipelines that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz and greater use of nuclear power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Fukuoka 'Don' Resigns as Questions Remain Over Money

Former Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly speaker Isao Kuranouchi, long regarded as the dominant power in the chamber, resigned as an assembly member on August 25, intensifying scrutiny of allegations involving financial transactions, costly overseas inspection trips and policies backed by public funds while raising broader questions about how he accumulated such influence.