Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proposed a joint stockpiling initiative for critical minerals during the G7 summit in Evian, France [1], [2].

The proposal seeks to mitigate global supply chain risks by leveraging Japan's existing national reserve system for rare earths [3]. By coordinating reserves across G7 nations, the group aims to stabilize energy markets and protect economic security against external shocks [5].

The summit took place from June 15 to 17, 2025 [1]. Takaichi said that Japan is currently the only G7 member with a national stockpile system for critical minerals such as rare earths [3]. She said that extending this model to other member states would strengthen the collective resilience of the group's energy and economic infrastructure [5].

Addressing regional tensions, Takaichi said that concrete discussions regarding the dispatch of naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz did not occur during the meetings [0]. This statement follows separate reports indicating that G7 finance ministers viewed the reopening of the strait as essential [4].

Takaichi's focus on energy security aligns with broader G7 goals to diversify supply chains away from single-source dependencies. The prime minister said that the joint reserve concept would allow member nations to better manage the volatility of raw material costs, and availability [5].

Despite the strategic focus on the Middle East's shipping lanes, the Japanese government continues to maintain a cautious approach toward direct military involvement in the region [0].

“Japan is the only G7 member with a national stockpile system for critical minerals such as rare earths.”

Japan's push for a multilateral mineral reserve indicates a shift toward institutionalizing economic security within the G7. By offering its own stockpiling framework as a blueprint, Tokyo is positioning itself as a leader in resource diplomacy to reduce the vulnerability of advanced economies to supply disruptions of materials essential for high-tech and green industries.