Japan looks 6,000 meters under the sea for rare earths to counter China

Nov 01 (mining.com) - Japan is looking 6,000 meters under the sea for rare earths to counter China’s dominance of the critical minerals that are used in everything from smartphones to weapons, according to the Yomiuri newspaper.

The government intends to start developing the methods necessary to extract the elements near the Ogasawara islands in the fiscal year beginning in April, and aims to begin prospecting within five years, the newspaper reported, citing unidentified officials.

The exploration will deploy technology tested off the coast of Ibaraki prefecture in August and September, where the deep-sea drilling vessel “Chikyu” was able to pump about 70 tons of mud per day for sifting, according to the report.

Shibuya Crowds Subdued in Rain Soaked Halloween

Halloween Eve in Shibuya still drew a festive atmosphere, with people gathering in costume and enjoying the night. Tokyo police deployed several hundred officers, including the well-known “DJ police,” to manage the crowds and prevent congestion at the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Takaichi and Xi Hold 10-Second Handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged.

Record 12 Killed in Bear Attacks Across Japan

Bear attacks are reaching unprecedented levels across Japan, with a record 12 fatalities so far this year as sightings continue daily from mountain towns to city centers, disrupting schools and local institutions.

Japan to Introduce Free High School Education Next Year

The Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai, and Komeito have reached an agreement on the framework for Japan’s new free high school tuition program, which will begin in fiscal 2026. Under the plan, tuition support for private full-time high schools will be capped at 457,000 yen, while correspondence courses will have an upper limit of 337,000 yen.

Sense of Crisis in World Heritage Shirakawa Village: ‘Never a Year with So Many Bears Before’

Bear sightings have surged across Japan, and in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village—home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go—local authorities held a nighttime drill on October 28th to prepare for possible emergencies.

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MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Japanese Astronaut Uses Robotic Arm to Dock New Supply Craft at Space Station

Astronaut Yui Kimiya, currently on a long-term mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), successfully captured a newly developed supply spacecraft using the station’s robotic arm in the early hours of October 30th.

Linear Maglev Construction Cost Increased by 4 Trillion Yen, Twice the Original Estimate

JR Central announced that the construction cost of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen between Shinagawa and Nagoya is now expected to increase by 4 trillion yen from the previously planned 7 trillion yen, bringing the total to 11 trillion yen.

軽量で薄型！フレキシブルソーラーパネルの基礎知識と導入ポイント

太陽光発電の新たな選択肢として注目されている「フレキシブルソーラーパネル」。軽量で曲面にも設置でき、アウトドアや災害時はもちろん省スペースな住宅にも最適です。

Japan’s H3 Rocket Sends New Cargo Vehicle to Space Station

Japan’s H3 Rocket No. 7, carrying a newly developed unmanned cargo spacecraft, successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture at 9 a.m. on October 26th, marking another milestone for the nation’s space program.

Japan’s Geothermal Energy In Spotlight

Geothermal energy is drawing growing global attention as a key to combating global warming and achieving a decarbonized society. Among clean energy sources, it stands out for its stability and scalability. Japan, blessed with abundant volcanic activity, possesses the world’s third-largest geothermal reserves—yet its utilization remains limited.

Hydrogen Ship to Ply Tokyo Bay Next Year

A next-generation hydrogen-powered vessel that operated during the Expo is set to expand its role beyond the event.

Lemmon Comet to Make Closest Approach to Earth on October 21st

A rare astronomical event will unfold next week as Comet Lemmon makes its closest approach to Earth on October 21st, offering skywatchers a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that will not return for roughly 1,400 years.

Glitch Shuts Down Japan’s Weather Satellite

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced that satellite images from the Himawari-9 weather satellite are currently unavailable due to a communication failure. While some functions have been restored through the backup satellite Himawari-8, key nighttime observation data such as infrared imagery remain inaccessible.

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