A Realistic Diplomatic Proposal to Protect Livelihoods and Peace

Emergency Statement

A Realistic Diplomatic Proposal to Protect Livelihoods and Peace —
Calling for the Realization of Vessel Passage and the Stabilization of Citizens’ Lives

Text of the Statement

The escalating tensions and war in the Middle East are beginning to have serious effects on Japan’s energy supply and the lives of its citizens. This statement seeks a realistic and peaceful solution to this situation through diplomatic means.

Delays in responding to this problem could lead to rising prices, supply instability, and stagnation in logistics, thereby threatening the very foundations of citizens’ lives. In Japan as well, disruptions in the supply of naphtha and petroleum may cause price increases and shortages in many sectors such as construction and medical care, and there are concerns that this could further lead to corporate bankruptcies and even life-threatening situations for patients in medical settings.

Fortunately, the Iranian government has repeatedly indicated, in light of the historical friendship between Japan and Iran, that if the Japanese side engages in consultations, Iran is prepared to permit the passage of Japan-related vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and it is said that this has also been communicated to the Japanese government.^[1] However, while various foreign countries have successively conducted negotiations, it is difficult to say that the Japanese government has undertaken sufficient diplomatic efforts, and it has not become clear that it is conducting individual negotiations for vessel passage.^[2] It is reported that Ambassador Saadat of Iran to Japan stated that “Japan, which maintains friendly relations with Iran, an alliance relationship with the United States, and a relationship different from that of Europe and others, can play an important role in peace mediation.”

Accordingly, in response to this valuable proposal, the Japanese government is required to begin negotiations with the Iranian government promptly and in a friendly manner, and under coordination among the relevant ministries and agencies, to clarify both the assessment of supply risks and the corresponding response policies. Through this, stable supplies and peaceful solutions can be realized across all affected sectors within Japan, and in particular, stable supplies of crude oil and naphtha can help mitigate impacts on key sectors such as healthcare, construction, and logistics.

At the same time, as a peace-oriented nation, Japan is expected to demand compliance with international law and humanitarian law, including the United Nations Charter, and from the standpoint of humanitarian diplomacy, to play an active role in contributing to the restoration of peace. On April 7, President Trump issued a strong message stating that unless his demands were accepted, “tonight, an entire civilization will perish completely and never recover again.” Pope Leo XIV stated that this was not only a violation of international law, but also “a moral issue for the good of the people (of the world),” and called upon the American people, as well as people around the world, to appeal to their political representatives such as members of parliament. In this way, voices calling for peace and respect for international law are rising throughout the international community, including among religious leaders.

Such hopes for peace accord with the ideal of coexistence based on morality, which human society has long cherished. They are consistent with the ethics upheld by the various religious traditions that exert strong influence in the modern world, and they also represent the earnest aspiration that the overwhelming majority of people in the world came to recognize as shared across religious, ethnic, and other differences in the aftermath of the world wars of the twentieth century.

Likewise, in terms of political and social ethics, coexistence based on virtue and morality is important, and through this, stable and friendly relations among nations can be formed. Questions concerning peace are fundamental issues of democracy related to justice and the public good, and concern the very basis for the existence of the state, namely the protection of citizens’ lives and livelihoods. Thus, this issue is not only a legal and political matter, but also an ethical one.

Therefore, in response to such calls, and for the sake of people’s lives, livelihoods, and national interests, we wish in a bipartisan and trans-religious manner to convey our hopes from Japan to the members of parliament, politicians, political parties, and government that represent the people.

This issue is not merely a matter of short-term crisis response, but also concerns the reconstruction of energy security and diplomatic strategy as the foundation of a sustainable society. Taking this opportunity, it is desirable to address medium- and long-term challenges, including the expansion of renewable energy and the promotion of energy conservation.

However, the current situation may deteriorate rapidly, and prompt action is essential. We ourselves may also be required, depending on circumstances, to undertake responsible actions such as restraining demand and conserving resources. Above all, however, it is indispensable to secure stable supplies through diplomatic means. The Japanese government is required to engage proactively in diplomatic efforts while appropriately consulting with all relevant countries.

Therefore, we strongly call upon the Japanese government to begin direct and friendly negotiations with the Iranian government without delay and, with the understanding and cooperation of the relevant countries, to realize the safe passage of vessels. Furthermore, even if the Iranian government grants approval, should circumstances among related countries obstruct vessel passage, it will be necessary to conduct especially close consultations with related countries including the United States in order to secure stable passage.

Moreover, because rising prices and worsening business conditions may rapidly place severe pressure on the cash flow of companies and households, flexible policy responses are indispensable in order to rescue citizens from the crisis of collapse in their livelihoods and businesses. Such measures include, as necessary, financial measures such as repayment deferments and liquidity support, as well as emergency fiscal measures responding to rising energy prices. We also hope that Japan will make use of its accumulated experience in diplomacy with the United States and the Middle East to work upon the relevant countries and devote itself to the restoration of peace.

The government’s foremost responsibility is to protect the lives, livelihoods, and survival of its citizens. To that end, it is necessary as swiftly as possible to implement in an integrated manner:

1. The securing of stable energy supplies through friendly diplomacy
2. Rapid fiscal responses including supplementary budgets, and support for livelihoods and businesses through liquidity assistance and related measures

This issue is a grave diplomatic and security problem, and at the same time, from the standpoint of maintaining supply chains, an extremely realistic and urgent policy challenge. Through these methods, we strongly call for the realization of a realistic and peaceful solution. In order to protect lives, livelihoods, and survival, and to restore peace, we sincerely hope for your support for this proposal and petition.

Online Petition

To Protect Livelihoods and Peace —
Calling for the Realization of Vessel Passage Through Friendly Diplomacy with Iran

Purpose of the Petition

As people who desire peace, we are deeply alarmed by the current tensions and war in the Middle East. This issue is not a distant regional matter, but an urgent problem directly connected to Japan’s energy supply and the lives of its citizens.

In particular, the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz has become difficult, and through rising prices, supply reductions, and shortages, direct impacts are already being felt on our daily lives and business activities. The escalation of international tensions may also have serious consequences for the economy as a whole.

The Iranian government has indicated the possibility of vessel passage through individual negotiations with Japan. Therefore, in order to protect the lives and livelihoods of the Japanese people and Japan’s national interests, we strongly call upon the Japanese government to engage in friendly and direct negotiations with the Iranian government aimed at realizing vessel passage.

At the same time, from a humanitarian perspective regarding the current Middle Eastern situation, we oppose the escalation of military confrontation and strongly call for respect for international law and for a realistic and peaceful solution through diplomatic means. This issue concerns not only political and legal questions related to the very foundations of democracy, but also ethical questions.

Accordingly, the Japanese government is required to engage proactively in dialogue and coordination with the United States and other related countries, and to devote its utmost efforts toward restoring peace and ensuring stable energy supplies.

In addition, in order to support the lives of citizens and business activities facing rising prices and supply shortages, it is essential to implement rapid and effective policy responses. As necessary, flexible fiscal measures including supplementary budgets, financial support for business liquidity, and other measures to sustain livelihoods and business continuity are also required.

We sincerely hope for your support for this petition in order to realize peace-oriented diplomacy that protects people’s livelihoods.

May 3, 2026
Initiators of the “Proposal for Livelihoods and Peace”