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Nikkei: Japan to develop seabed mining of rare earth materials

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The Nikkei reports that in 2024, Japan will begin to extract rare earth materials for electric vehicles and hybrids from sea bottom mud in an area off Minami-Torishima Island, a coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean about 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. The government’s aim is to reduce the country’s reliance on China for rare earth metals.

Japan 542
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Idemitsu launches feasibility study in Japan into clean hydrogen production from waste

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Idemitsu Kosan, one of Japan’s leading producers and suppliers of energy, has launched a feasibility study of clean hydrogen production in Japan generated from waste, including municipal waste. The hydrogen production now being considered by Idemitsu and HC will use waste discharged in Japan, including municipal waste, as raw material.

Waste 360
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Nissan, Mitsubishi unveil jointly developed new all-electric mini-vehicles in Japan

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Nissan Motor and Mitsubishi Motors unveiled their first jointly developed light electric vehicles (EVs)—the Sakura and the eK X EV (pronounced “eK cross EV”), —in Japan. Japan, where the vehicle is produced. The line-off ceremony took place at the Mitsubishi Motors’ Mizushima Plant in Kurashiki City, Okayama Pref.,

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Toyota joins 7 other companies in Rapidus venture to develop next-gen 2nm semiconductors in Japan

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Rapidus is intended to work with Japan’s also newly established Leading-edge Semiconductor Technology Center (LSTC)—a joint R&D hub with US and European participants—to build a mass production base for next-generation semiconductors in Japan. Japan, notes the Nikkei, has some catching-up to do.

Japan 370
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Nissan introducing Serena with 2nd-generation e-POWER system in Japan

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Nissan launched the fully-revamped Serena in Japan. Nissan first introduced a Serena e-POWER model in 2018 ( earlier post )—the second second model with the e-POWER system, which was first introduced in the Nissan Note in Japan in 2016. The system delivers more powerful and smooth acceleration with less engine noise.

Japan 433
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Report: Japan and UK to invest jointly in critical minerals in Africa

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The Nikkei reports that Japan and the UK are set to make joint investments in critical minerals in Africa and other places. Japan now depends on certain countries, including China, for critical minerals such as cobalt and nickel minerals. Japan and the UK also aim to curb the growing Chinese influence in Africa.

Africa 199
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Nikkei: Japan to more than double output of fast chargers on highway to 90 kW

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The Nikkei reports that Japan plans to more than double the output of electric vehicle chargers used at highway service areas. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will require operators to increase the output to at least 90 kW—more than twice the current average—by 2030.

Japan 284