Japan's population declined for the 14th consecutive year, falling by 550,000 to 123.8 million, with the Tokyo metropolitan area facing a serious eldercare crisis as 25% of residents are now over 65. The ongoing US-Japan trade tensions evolved with conflicting reports about smartphone tariff exemptions, as Trump's policy appeared to shift from exclusion to imposing semiconductor-related tariffs on phones instead.

Nintendo became a focal point in trade discussions as suppliers warned the Switch 2 console faces potential 145% tariff increases, contrasting with smartphone exemptions. Apple responded to the shifting landscape by ramping up production in India and Vietnam while navigating stricter customs checks in China.

Prime Minister Ishiba maintained a firm stance, declaring Japan would not rush to compromise in upcoming US tariff negotiations while denying implementing election-motivated economic handouts. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping courted Vietnam to join China in confronting the trade war.