Japan-US tariff negotiations intensified as the US presented a "framework proposal" excluding automobile and steel tariffs from discussions, drawing strong objection from Japan. Prime Minister Ishiba later declared Japan would "absolutely not accept" the auto tariffs exclusion.

Both countries agreed to accelerate talks toward a June summit agreement, with the next ministerial-level meeting scheduled for mid-May. This development follows yesterday's announcement of the Bank of Japan maintaining interest rates amid economic uncertainties partly caused by US tariff concerns.

Meanwhile, over 90 nations called for preserving atomic bomb memories at a UN preparatory meeting, continuing Japan's nuclear disarmament diplomacy.

Weather reports indicated heavy local rainfall from Kinki to Kanto regions with warnings of potentially severe conditions during Golden Week's second half, suggesting rapidly shifting weather patterns ahead.