Morning coverage focused on U.S.-Japan trade tensions, with Trump claiming a tariff deal was "very close" while Japan reportedly resisted forming an anti-China trade bloc. The U.S. revealed plans to impose hefty port entry fees on foreign-built car transport ships from October, functioning as de facto tariffs on Japanese automakers.

Toyota Industries' potential privatization emerged as a major business story, with reports indicating Toyota Motor might invest in a deal worth up to 6 trillion yen—continuing yesterday's corporate restructuring narrative.

Financial regulatory reforms gained attention as Japan's FSA developed guidelines allowing banks to rate borrowers based on growth potential rather than just financial statements, potentially increasing funding for promising but currently unprofitable firms.

By afternoon, international news dominated with Russia claiming complete recapture of Kursk region from Ukrainian forces, which Ukraine promptly denied, signaling a significant development in the ongoing conflict.