Japan and Iran: an evaluation of relationship-building in the context of energy security supply

Japan’s dealings with Iran have been those of a close and long-term relationship. Relations with Iran date back to 1953 when the first direct oil deal with the government of Iran, through Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd, was agreed upon. Additional significant oil experiences in Iran have taken place since 1968, when the Japanese government dispatched a Mitsui Company mission to investigate the feasibility of joint petro-chemical production in Iran, which led to the establishment of the Iran-Japan Petrochemical Company (IJPC) in 1973. Despite the fact that the IJPC joint venture terminated prematurely and under bad terms, this did not affect Japan’s overall energy cooperation with Iran.

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