Poll: 54.7% of Japanese oppose sending Self-Defense Forces to Strait of Hormuz

A public opinion poll released by Kyodo News on June 16 revealed that 54.7% of respondents oppose sending Japan's Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure maritime safety. Only 45.3% of those surveyed supported the move.

The survey comes as the Japanese government weighs measures to protect commercial vessels transiting the Hormuz region, a frequent flashpoint for security tensions. Deploying Self-Defense Forces to the Gulf has been a contentious issue in Japan's parliament, with concerns about overstepping the country's pacifist constitution.

If implemented, the overseas deployment of Self-Defense Forces would mark a new step in Tokyo's defense policy, long focused on domestic protection. However, public opinion remains sharply divided on the matter.