The Japanese did this to themselves by speaking out against the only refiner of several rare earth metals.

Their nation depends on peace with China and they are now realizing they voted for the wrong politician, because this lady trying to remilitarize Japan reminded the Chinese of all the war crimes done to Chinese people under Japanese occupation. Completely expected development based on simple facts.

My guess is Japan will have to make some concessions with the Chinese to reach a deal or they risk losing a sector of their economy.