The paper deals with the Japanese approach to regional security in the Persian Gulf. The authors reveal the reasons that prompt Japan to actively integrate into the system of international relations in the Middle East as one of the leading non-regional actors. The paper focuses on the Iranian and Qatari crises to demonstrate the specific characteristics of Japan’s participation in the settlement of international problems in the Gulf. A set of factors limiting the freedom of action of Japan in its use of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ power was revealed both in matters of regional security and in the promotion of their national interests in the Gulf. The study is based on Japanese documentary and research materials.