🇯🇵Week of September 7

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked US President Donald Trump to attack the Houthis, but Trump refused the request, according to reports. The refusal was reported by Reuters and carried by multiple Japanese outlets.12345678

The Houthis have reportedly seized control of Mocha, a port city on Yemen's Red Sea coast, and may have taken an island at the exit of the Red Sea. The moves threaten Saudi oil transport routes and could affect crude shipments through an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz.2345

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps is suspected of directly guiding the Houthi operations, with multiple IRGC commanders reportedly entering Yemen to command attacks. This information was reported by newsdig.tbs.co.jp.4

The Houthi advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast and at the Red Sea exit island could disrupt Saudi Arabia's oil exports and international shipping. The island's capture in particular may impact crude transport via a route that serves as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.35

Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline was attacked and its operations temporarily halted. A pro-Iran group based in Iraq is suspected of involvement in the attack.12345

US President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of Iranian involvement in the attack on the Saudi pipeline. Trump also revealed that the Houthis had asked the United States not to intervene.34

A Houthi official claimed control over a strategic strait. The Houthis are expanding their influence at a key point in the Red Sea, and Iran may be strengthening pressure on the United States.25

Prime Minister Takaichi is preparing a cabinet reshuffle and a round of Liberal Democratic Party leadership appointments. She met Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara at the Prime Minister's Office for about three hours to discuss the plans.123

Takaichi is moving to appoint Murai as the LDP's Diet Affairs Committee chairman, an unusual promotion. The appointment is part of the party personnel changes being coordinated alongside the cabinet reshuffle.45

LDP Upper House member Furukawa is emerging as a candidate to join the cabinet in the reshuffle. The reshuffle is also focusing on correcting gender disparities, with the prime minister stating she will appoint people based on ability.16

Okinawa Prefecture held its gubernatorial election on September 13, with voting and ballot counting taking place that day. The race was contested over issues including regional development measures and the US military base problem, and the outcome was expected to become clear late at night.123

Candidates Genta Koja and Denny Tamaki made their final appeals in Naha City, a major vote base. The result was described as likely to affect national politics, including security policy.14

A group of younger lawmakers from the cross-party Japan-China Friendship Parliamentary League arrived in Beijing on the 13th. The delegation is led by former senior vice justice minister Masahiro Komura, who was photographed at the Beijing airport. The visit is the first of its kind since remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi concerning a Taiwan contingency.12345

The delegation is arranging a meeting with executives of the China Friendship Association. The trip is being watched as a possible opening for improving Japan-China relations.12345