Trade tensions dominated early reporting as U.S. prepared region-based tariffs with specific demands for Japan to eliminate its 9 trillion yen trade surplus. Japanese media calculated this would require importing 72 times more American cars or eight years of rice production - highlighting the practical impossibility of these demands.

Security concerns emerged through coverage of random stabbing incidents, raising public fears about personal safety. The nuclear sector saw activity with Kyushu Electric announcing plans for both new nuclear plant construction and next-generation reactor development, while the government included fusion power in its national strategy, targeting demonstration by the 2030s.

A political crisis developed as Agriculture Minister Taku Eto faced criticism for claiming he receives abundant rice from supporters amid national shortages. By afternoon, he had retracted these comments while denying resignation, with the Prime Minister calling the remarks "extremely problematic."