- Japan will invest $250 million to secure alternative supply chains for critical minerals like rare earths.
- The funding, managed by JOGMEC, aims to support Japanese firms in overseas mining and refining projects.
- Japan is also allocating $12 million to boost exports of marine products, following a recent resumption of imports after a two-year suspension by China.

A: Hey Hana! Did you hear anything about the government's budget?

B: Oh, hi Kenji! No, what's up?

A: They’re putting a lot of money into getting minerals from different places. Like, 39 billion yen!

B: Wow, that's a lot! Why are they doing that?

A: China is making it harder to get some materials we need. They're limiting exports.

B: Seriously? That sounds stressful for Japanese companies. Are they worried?

A: Yeah, they’re worried they won’t have enough. It’s about things like rare earth elements.

B: Okay, so the government is helping them out?

A: Exactly! They're using a special fund to support companies that find or process minerals overseas. It's through this group called JOGMEC.

B: That's good to know. Anything else?

A: They're also trying to help seafood companies. China stopped buying our fish for a while, remember?

B: Oh yeah! That was tough. They’re trying to find new markets now?

A: Yep! They’re setting aside money to help them export more. 2 billion yen!

B: That's great news! Hopefully, things will get better.