Corporate Japan's rare-earth warnings get louder as China keeps the spigot closed

China has cut exports of key rare earths to Japan after a diplomatic rift, hitting supplies of elements used in powerful magnets for EVs, electronics and defense.
Tokyo-listed companies are increasingly flagging rare-earth shortages as a business risk — mentions in filings have doubled and now extend beyond materials firms to consumer and electronics makers.
Japan is scrambling to diversify (U.S. coordination on stockpiles, recycling and deep-sea projects), but meaningful alternative supplies are likely months to years away.