Japan is dependent on the Middle East for some 95 per cent of its oil.  TOKYO: Japan plans to release 20 days' worth of oil reserves from May, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told a cabinet meeting on Friday (Apr 10), to ensure stable domestic supply while searching for non-Middle East barrels as conflict in the region disrupts global supply. Japan is dependent on the Middle East for some 95 per cent of its oil.  It began releasing reserves on Mar 16 unilaterally and in coordination with other