Tokyo International News Agency

As a historic step in Japan's marine resource development, the deep-sea research vessel 'Chikyu' departed Shimizu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture on January 12th, heading towards the waters around Minamitori Island, aiming to secure domestic rare earth minerals. This marks a groundbreaking, world-first challenge to attempt mining rare-earth-rich mud from the deep sea, at a depth of approximately 6,000 meters. The purpose of this voyage is to conduct a demonstration experiment on the vast deposits of rare-earth-rich mud discovered within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off Minamitori Island. The 'Chikyu' is expected to reach the waters near Minamitori Island, approximately 2,000 kilometers from Tokyo, in about a week, where it will verify the technology for extracting mud from the deep sea to the surface. Should this demonstration prove successful, large-scale mining could commence as early as 2027, potentially paving Japan's way to becoming a 'resource...

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on the 6th that it would strengthen export controls on dual-use civilian and military goods to Japan. This measure took effect immediately and is seen as a countermeasure against Japan's statements regarding the Taiwan situation. Japanese industries could face economic pressure and supply chain disruptions due to extensive export restrictions covering a wide range of items, including rare earths, semiconductors, and military-related equipment. The 'dual-use goods' targeted by these new regulations reportedly include seven types of rare earth-related items essential for precision machinery, such as samarium, along with semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and devices or materials that could contribute to enhancing the military capabilities of Japan's Self-Defense Forces. Given the broad definition, there are growing concerns that agricultural drones, general industrial products, and even daily necessities might be affected. Fo...