Japan's core consumer prices rose 3.2% in March, driven by a dramatic 92% surge in rice prices, prompting government action. By mid-morning, officials announced a 10-yen reduction in gasoline prices and electricity/gas subsidies extending through September as inflation relief measures.

U.S.-Japan trade tensions continued as Trump reiterated opposition to Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel, while Prime Minister Ishiba instructed acceleration of tariff countermeasures and sought "specific progress" in upcoming bilateral talks. This follows previous days' negotiations where Trump personally participated.

In domestic developments, Japan enacted an emergency animal shooting law responding to increased bear attacks and introduced new safety regulations requiring proper clothing for Mt. Fuji climbers. The morning was punctuated by a magnitude 5 earthquake in Nagano Prefecture, followed by a magnitude 4 aftershock, with authorities confirming no tsunami risk.