China has escalated its trade tensions with Japan by launching an investigation into imported dichlorosilane, a chemical gas used in making semiconductors.

Japan’s lack of public trash cans often surprises visitors, but cultural norms and safety concerns explain why travelers carry their trash all day.

Lately a diplomatic spat with China has begun depressing the number of people coming to Japan from that country—but even this does not seem to have much deterred Japan’s leaders from their course. Three related trends have fuelled what anxious Japanese have come to call the “foreigner problem”.

China is opening an anti-dumping investigation into Japan over a chemical used in the manufacturing of semiconductors, it announced on Wednesday.

Over recent years, the chewy rice cakes have killed and hospitalized hundreds of people in Japan, where it is eaten to celebrate the new year.

China did not stipulate covered items, but experts believe the restrictions could affect rare earth minerals, a potential Achilles' heel for Japan.

While Japan recklessly treads on issues involving China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, it still fantasizes that China will continue to provide a steady stream of key raw materials that could be used to manufacture weapons used against China.

The measures target only our country and deviate significantly from international practice,” Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reportedly said. “We intend to carefully examine and analyse the details and consider necessary responses.