Japan received its first shipment of Russian crude oil since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with a tanker delivering Sakhalin-2 project oil to Imabari in western Japan on Tuesday, according to public broadcaster NHK and other local media citing economy ministry sources. The cargo marks a strategic shift as Japan seeks alternative energy supplies amid disruptions caused by the Iran conflict, which began on February 28. The Sakhalin-2 project, located off Russia's far east coast, remains outside the scope of international sanctions imposed after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, allowing Japan to continue limited energy cooperation. Wholesaler Taiyo Oil accepted the shipment following a formal request from the economy ministry, and the crude will be processed into gasoline, naphtha, and other petroleum products at the Imabari refinery. Japan relies on the Middle East for about 95% of its oil imports, making it highly vulnerable to supply shocks. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday the crisis was having an 'enormous impact' on the Asia-Pacific region and pledged closer energy coordination with Australia. Officials estimate Japan has secured enough naphtha-derived products to last beyond 2024 through expanded non-Middle East imports. Japan's energy ministry and Taiyo Oil have not yet confirmed the delivery. The government is expected to provide a formal statement later this week on its emergency supply measures and further procurement plans.