In a short but valuable recent interview with Nikkei, Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama talked enthusiastically about Japan’s relationship with the United States and Europe. She emphasized that this collaboration is key in establishing a strong domestic supply chain for rare earth elements. As recently as January 9, 2026, Japan raised alarms that China was exercising dangerous control over vital materials. Such dominance seems to be a great economic leverage tool.
Satsuki Katayama’s remarks come amid rising tensions over China’s control of rare earth supplies. In her January 10, 2026 interview, she described what this control had done to her. It generates tremendous uncertainty for Japanese industries that rely on these materials to produce advanced technology and drive their manufacturing prowess. Katayama emphasized that Japan needs to focus on strategies to address these risks and make the supply chain more stable and resilient.
The finance minister imagines an excited, youthful, creative global market of democracies. In response, Japan, the U.S., and European nations will come together to lower their dependence on China for rare earths. Katayama thinks Japan can help ensure its own economic security by developing these important collaborative relationships. This strategy will increase the likelihood of preventing China from weaponizing its monopoly over many vital materials.
Katayama’s statements are a notable indicator of the rising urgency among Japanese officials to mitigate vulnerabilities associated with rare earth supply chains. We welcome her vision, which underscores the importance of building strategic partnerships with other like-minded countries. In tandem, they can create a market that is much more resilient to future geopolitical shocks.
The following interview with affection Japanese journalist Manami Yamada conducted the interview. It exposed the vulnerability created by China’s dominance in the rare earth supply chain. The article detailing Katayama’s statements was published at 03:45 JST on January 10, 2026. In addition to the written exchange, readers will find a photograph of Satsuki Katayama, shot by Yamada during that interview, included with the text.