Japan seeks to release rare earths, 10 other critical items from China's grip

Dec 22 (Nikkei) - Japan designated semiconductors, batteries and nine other items as strategically critical material on Tuesday, in a bid to reduce the exposure of those supply chains to China.

"This is the first step in advancing the resiliency of critical supply chains to safeguard the survival, livelihoods and economic activities of our citizens," Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters.

Strengthening supply chains represents one of the four planks in economic security legislation passed in May. The provisions direct the country to develop alternative supplies of important resources and products like chips and medical supplies, as well as stockpile material and find new suppliers.

Standing behind this push are risks connected to China, especially the looming potential of a Taiwan crisis.

For example, 90% of injectable antimicrobial agents sold in Japan are of the beta lactam type. However, almost all of the raw materials for beta lactam antimicrobials come from China. In 2019, Japan experienced an interruption in supplies, which forced hospitals to postpone surgeries. ...continue reading

World’s Longest 150-Meter Rail Departs for Hokkaido on Freight Train

Transportation of a 150-meter railway rail—the longest in the world—manufactured at a steelworks in Kitakyushu City, began on April 18th. The rail will be delivered to Hokkaido over the course of about four days for use in the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension project.

Japan Obesity Society Warns Against Women's Desire To Be Thin

The Japan Society for the Study of Obesity has issued a warning about the health risks of excessive thinness and poor nutrition among women, positioning what it calls 'women's underweight and malnutrition syndrome' as a newly recognized health condition.

Why Are Japan’s Street Ramen Stalls Vanishing?

Once a familiar and comforting presence on urban streets, Japan's cherished ramen stalls are quietly fading away as stricter regulations, an aging workforce, and evolving consumer preferences make their survival increasingly difficult.

Bear Sinks Teeth Into Live Deer as Tourists Watch From Hotel Window

A bear attacking a live deer outside a hotel in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, has shocked onlookers and prompted heightened alert from local authorities.

Strong Winds Cause 'Shaky Landings' at Narita Airport

Strong winds battered wide areas of Japan on April 15th, disrupting air travel, toppling trees in central Tokyo, and fueling a fire that burned down homes in Toyama.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

World's First Eco-Friendly Aviation Fuel Factory Begins Full Operation

A factory that converts discarded tempura oil into jet fuel using a world-first method has officially begun full-scale operations in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture.

SoftBank Launches 65 Billion Yen AI Data Center Project in Hokkaido

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 15th in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, for one of Japan's largest data centers, which is scheduled for completion in fiscal 2026.

Rice Disappears from Store Shelves as Prices Top 6,000 Yen

Rice prices in Japan have surged dramatically, with 5-kilogram bags now commonly priced in the 3,000 to 4,000 yen range and in some cases exceeding 6,000 yen including tax. This price surge has caught consumers off guard, and supermarkets are experiencing both high prices and shortages.

Who Chose Espinosa as Nissan's New CEO?

Nissan’s new president, 46-year-old Ivan Espinosa, may symbolize change for the struggling automaker. However, his appointment raises eyebrows: Espinosa previously served as head of product planning—a role directly tied to the decline in the company’s brand appeal.

Behind the Expo: Business Talks Hold the Key to Success

While the purpose of World Expositions has evolved over time, the 2020 Dubai Expo hosted 98 business events, drawing over 25,000 participants from more than 130 countries, both in-person and online. Events covered themes like space and medicine, offering opportunities for companies to hold negotiations.