Prime Minister Ishiba's cabinet approval rating plummeted to 27-35% (reports varied), marking the lowest since taking office. Over 70% of respondents rejected his explanations regarding the gift voucher scandal that has plagued the administration since mid-March. The scandal widened with reports of two cabinet ministers listing office addresses on personal donation records.

Cultural representation received attention with "Half Siblings," a manga exploring mixed-race experiences in Japan. Economic reporting highlighted Bangkok's emergence as a "city of billionaires" following Dubai, while welfare statistics revealed over half of Japan's recipients are now seniors due to low pensions and social isolation.

In sports, Ozeki Onosato claimed his third Emperor's Cup at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament after defeating Takayasu in a playoff match. Diplomatic coverage noted the LDP Secretary General meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi amid continuing tensions over seafood import restrictions.