In recent days, Japan has been in the spotlight for being well-prepared when it comes to rare-earth minerals. These special minerals are important for producing items such as smartphones, electric cars and other high-tech products. The investments Japan has made for years to secure rare-earth minerals finally paid off. Japan’s dependence on diverse sources saw the impact of China’s squeeze reduced. Japanese companies also created new technology to consume fewer rare-earth minerals. Early actions and investments taken by Japan enabled a strong supply chain. We have Japan to thank for reminding us to plan for how to keep essential supplies available.

Japan’s long-term investments in rare-earth minerals had paid off. It was long ago that Japan appreciated the strategic value of rare-earth minerals to its industries. So, they began to invest in mining and to look for fresh sources around the world. Such foresight and planning allowed Japan to have a steady supply of the metals when China clamped down on the market.

Japanese reliance on so many sources had let it avoid the full brunt of China’s squeeze. Although China is rich in rare-earth minerals, Japan didn’t want to be too dependent on another nation. Japan partnered with other nations including Australia, the United States and Vietnam to reduce its dependence. That strategic value was realized when China, which had previously curtailed exports, restricted them further and Japan could continue to obtain the minerals it required elsewhere.

Japanese firms devised technologies to lessen dependence on rare-earth minerals. While rare-earth minerals are critical to the production of high-tech goods, Japan did not want to rely on them indefinitely. Japanese companies began to invest heavily in research and development -- exploring ways to use less rare-earth minerals, or to substitute for them in their products. On the contrary, this groundbreaking invention rendered Japan much less susceptible to potential supply shortages while at the same time keeping them ahead in the tech sphere.

A resilient supply chain was made possible due to Japan taking proactive policy-based and investment-based measures. Japan had also taken steps to guarantee its access to rare-earth minerals, with the government taking a lead role in doing so. They had tight collaboration with companies to develop policies which spurred rare-earth mineral mining and recycling investment. This allowed Japan to create a supply chain that was robust enough to weather disturbances such as China’s squeeze.

The recent developments in Japan also illustrate the strategic importance of resources. Japan’s ability to secure rare-earth minerals offers an important lesson. For a long-term supply of strategic resources, long-term planning, source diversification, technological innovation, positive government policies, and investment are necessary. By looking at what Japan is doing, other countries can be well-prepared to meet any future challenges of procuring crucial minerals.

In which case Japan's readiness for China's rare-earth mineral squeeze is a lesson to us all. Through long-term investments, diversification of sources, technological innovation, forward-looking policies and strategic planning, countries can ensure access to essential resources and resilient supply chains. Japan’s situation is a reminder of the importance of being ready and having a strategy to obtain the critical minerals that are the lifeblood of industries. Going forward, it is necessary for governments, companies and individuals to reference Japan’s model and take the initiative to secure a stable supply of vital resources for the future. Keep in mind, it’s all about strategic planning!