Japan’s PM Takaichi Skips G7 Oil Crisis Meeting on October 2

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not attend a G7 video conference on October 2 focused on soaring diesel prices and coordinated oil reserve releases, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Toshimi on October 5. France, the G7 chair, set the meeting on short notice that day. Japan sent Endo Kazuya, a Foreign Ministry deputy, to represent Tokyo. The G7 announced plans to release 100 million barrels over four months to combat diesel shortages.

Why the meeting was called and what was decided

The G7 convened the October 2 video call as diesel prices surged globally due to wars in Russia and the Middle East reducing refining capacity. The group decided to coordinate emergency releases of 100 million barrels of oil over the next four months, with diesel prioritized to help curb soaring costs. Kihara said the meeting occurred because European reserve releases were delayed while diesel prices became an international crisis.

Who attended and who stayed away

France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s, Italy’s, and Canada’s leaders participated. Trump appeared with his camera off, showing only his name on screen. Britain’s PM and the EU Council president were also absent. Japan sent deputy Endo instead of Takaichi. Endo presented Japan’s oil reserve release policy during the call.

Japan’s role and Takaichi’s response

Kihara confirmed that deputy representation is permitted in G7 talks and that Endo communicated Japan’s policies on oil reserve releases. Takaichi posted on X on October 5 that the meeting focused on diesel prices in Europe and the West. She noted that other leaders, including Britain’s PM and the EU Council president, also did not attend in person. She committed Japan to continuing support for global economic and energy security.

Global oil coordination and Europe’s reserves

The International Energy Agency coordinates major emergency oil releases through its Paris headquarters. The European Commission sets reserve rules but national governments control actual stocks. In March 2026, European countries released 107.5 million barrels as part of a 400-million-barrel IEA emergency action after US-Israeli military operations disrupted global markets. Exactly how much diesel versus crude oil the G7 will release in the coming months remains unclear.

Final Thoughts

Takaichi’s absence from the October 2 G7 call was unusual but permitted under G7 rules allowing deputy attendance. Japan’s participation through Endo ensured Tokyo’s voice on oil policy reached world leaders as diesel prices remain elevated globally.

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