Japan economy · April 2026

Japan will release an additional 20 days' worth of oil reserves starting in May, as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz disrupt shipping and push up prices. Trump warned Iran over tolls on the waterway, while Japanese tankers head toward the strait and more ships gather in the area. The move follows earlier reserve releases and ongoing doubts about a truce with Iran. Berkshire Hathaway sold $1.7 billion in yen-denominated bonds, coinciding with growing business and tech activity in Japan, including TechCrunch bringing its Startup Battlefield to Tokyo. The Japan Rail Pass, popular with foreign tourists, will see a 6% price increase from October. Fast Retailing, driven by Uniqlo growth, became Japan's third-largest company by market capitalization. All major Japanese mobile carriers raised fees, ending the country's mobile price war.