Japan has taken a bold and highly symbolic step toward securing its future supply of critical minerals. A Japanese mining vessel has officially set sail on a groundbreaking mission to explore rare-earth-rich seabed mud near Minamitori Island, a remote coral atoll nearly 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. This month-long expedition reflects Tokyo’s growing determination to reduce its dependence on China at a time when global supply chains are under increasing geopolitical strain.
The mission, led by the advanced test vessel Chikyu, is historic. For the first time anywhere in the world, a ship will attempt to continuously lift rare-earth-bearing mud from an extraordinary depth of around six kilometers beneath the ocean surface. If successful, the project could redefine how nations access strategic resources hidden beneath the seabed.
Rare earths are not rare in importance. They are essential to modern life, powering everything from electric vehicles and smartphones to renewable energy systems and military technology. For decades, China has dominated the global supply of these minerals, giving it significant leverage over countries reliant on them. Japan, like many Western economies, has been working to rebalance this dependence, but recent export restrictions from Beijing have added urgency to that effort.
Speaking as the vessel departed from Shizuoka with Mount Fuji standing majestically in the background, Shoichi Ishii, head of the government-backed project, described the moment as deeply emotional. After seven years of preparation, the confirmation tests are finally underway. Success, he said, would not only diversify Japan’s rare earth procurement but also represent a major technological breakthrough.
The Chikyu carries around 130 crew members and researchers and is expected to return on February 14. Yet the broader journey Japan has embarked on is far longer and more complex.
China recently banned exports of certain dual-use items, including some critical minerals, to Japan’s military sector. Reports have also suggested wider restrictions on rare-earth exports, though Beijing has not officially confirmed them. These developments have drawn international attention, with rare-earth supply security set to be discussed by G7 finance ministers in Washington.
Japan has faced similar pressure before. In 2010, China restricted rare-earth exports following a diplomatic incident in the East China Sea. Since then, Japan has made notable progress, cutting its reliance on China from about 90 percent to roughly 60 percent. This was achieved through overseas partnerships, recycling initiatives, and innovation aimed at reducing rare-earth usage.
However, the Minamitori Island project is different. It is Japan’s first serious attempt to source rare earths domestically. Economists say this could be a turning point. Producing rare earths within Japan would offer a more fundamental and secure solution than diversification alone. Still, challenges remain immense, especially for heavy rare earths used in electric and hybrid vehicle motors, where Japan remains almost entirely dependent on China.
The project is also a long-term investment. Since 2018, the Japanese government has poured around 40 billion yen into seabed research, without disclosing estimated reserves or setting production targets. If the current mission proves viable, a full-scale mining trial is planned for 2027. While seabed mining was once considered too costly, shifting market dynamics and prolonged supply risks could change that calculation.
China, meanwhile, is watching closely. During survey work last year, Chinese naval vessels were spotted operating nearby, an episode Japanese officials described as intimidating. Beijing responded by saying its actions complied with international law and urged Japan not to exaggerate threats.
