Overview
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament the two governments will study steps for co-development in waters around the remote Pacific island.
- Japan will begin test mining of rare-earth-rich seabed mud in January 2026 at depths of about 6,000 meters.
- Takaichi said co-development was a key topic in her meeting with President Donald Trump during his visit to Tokyo last week.
- During that visit, Japan and the United States signed a framework agreement to secure rare earth supplies.
- Officials describe the effort as strengthening resource security and reducing reliance on China, with Minamitori located roughly 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo.