A: Hey there! Guess what I just heard?
B: What's up?

A: So, a big Japanese trading house started importing rare earths from outside China!
B: Really?! Who did this?

A: It was Sojitz Corporation. They got the metals mined in Western Australia.
B: Wow, those are some heavy rare earths they're talking about, like dysprosium and terbium.

A: Exactly! They use these elements to make powerful magnets for electric cars and robots.
B: China supplies most of the world's rare earths, right? But there have been some export control issues, right?

A: Yeah, that's why it's a big deal for Sojitz to find another source. They need a reliable supply, since China can sometimes impose restrictions.
B: I see. So, this won't completely fill Japan's demand, but it's still important?

A: Absolutely! Sojitz President Uemura said they need to strengthen the supply chain and not rely solely on China for these materials.