Trump's sweeping tariffs officially took effect overnight, with Japan facing 24% duties while China received a cumulative 104%. By morning, Japanese markets responded with sharp declines, extending the previous day's volatility despite Tuesday's historic Nikkei rebound.

Japan positioned itself among the first countries to enter negotiations, with its government formally requesting the US drop these "regrettable" tariffs. The economic impact quickly spread domestically with concerns about household food prices emerging.

By midday, China dramatically escalated the conflict by announcing additional 50% duties on US goods, bringing their total retaliatory tariff to 84%. This immediate counter-measure transformed what began as Trump's unilateral action into a rapidly spiraling trade war.

Meanwhile, domestic concerns continued with 24,000 users applying for refunds from the recent ETC system failure, while discriminatory language surrounding decontaminated soil sparked social discourse.