Japan's Hidden Treasure — The World's Largest Iodine Reserves
2026-11-06
Japan is known as a country with very few natural resources. It imports almost all its oil and many important minerals from other countries.
Japan's Hidden Treasure — The World's Largest Iodine Reserves
Japan is known as a country with very few natural resources. It imports almost all its oil and many important minerals from other countries.
But did you know Japan has the world's largest reported reserves of one important natural resource?
Iodine (ヨウ素).
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Japan has approximately 4.9 million tons of iodine reserves. That's nearly 78% of the world's reported total!
So, what is iodine, and why is it important?
Have you ever had a CT scan at a hospital? Sometimes, doctors inject a special liquid called "contrast" into your bloodstream to make your organs and blood vessels easier to see.
That contrast often contains iodine!
Iodine is also used in disinfectants to kill germs, medicines, and even some television and computer screens. Your body needs a small amount of iodine to stay healthy.
Much of Japan's iodine is found deep underground, especially in Chiba Prefecture, mixed with salty water and natural gas.
Chile produces the most iodine in the world, while Japan is the second-largest producer. Together, they supply most of the world's iodine.
Japan may be poor in many natural resources, but when it comes to iodine, it is one of the richest countries in the world.
The next time you hear about a CT scan, remember that Japan may have helped supply one of its most important ingredients.
Sometimes, a country's greatest treasure is hidden right beneath its feet.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..