Takayama Sanae Announces Boldly: Japan May Finally Break Free from Dependence on Chinese Rare Earths!
Japan once again believes it has a chance to reduce its reliance on Chinese rare earths.
On the 24th, Kyodo News reported that Japan's Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology has detected multiple rare earth elements in samples collected from the seabed near Minami-Tori-shima (Southern Bird Island), including "medium-to-heavy rare earth elements" essential for high-tech products—accounting for approximately 54% of the total.
The report stated that based on this detection result, Japan will launch a full-scale mining trial next February, with an initial target of extracting 350 tons of rare earth mud per day. A government-level discussion on industrialization and commercial application is tentatively scheduled for March 2028.
On the same day, Takaichi Sanae shared the news on social media, declaring Japan’s commitment to mobilize the nation’s full strength to strengthen its rare earth supply chain and reduce over-dependence on a “specific country”—the identity of which needs no further explanation.
Some readers have already noticed the flaws in Japan’s promotional narrative.
Indeed, while it is true that Japanese research institutions have detected rare earth elements in samples from Minami-Tori-shima, the upcoming mining operation in February will still be just an “experiment.” The stage of “industrial transformation discussion” won’t arrive until 2028—meaning large-scale industrial production remains far off.
Moreover, even if the Minami-Tori-shima rare earth project succeeds, it will take years to materialize. Japanese companies simply cannot afford to wait. Whether in automotive manufacturing or precision motors, production lines cannot function without a stable and continuous supply of rare earth materials.
Therefore, in the foreseeable future, Japan’s ambition to break free from dependence on a “specific country” for rare earths may remain nothing more than empty rhetoric.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871594155115520/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.