The financial crisis at Japan's national university hospitals dominated morning coverage, with reports that most facilities are operating at a deficit due to inflation in medical supplies, thin profit margins, and aging infrastructure. The crisis presents a threat to advanced medical care in Japan.

Prime Minister Ishiba departed for Vietnam and the Philippines to strengthen economic and security cooperation amid China's growing regional influence, continuing Japan's diplomatic positioning noted in previous days.

In a significant legal development, the Osaka High Court ruled against the same-sex marriage ban as unconstitutional, extending partnership systems to cover over 92% of Japan's population.

By afternoon, U.S.-Japan relations took center stage with reports that the future Trump administration plans to request Japan develop dual-use (military-civilian) shipbuilding capabilities, signaling potential deepening of defense industrial cooperation amid ongoing trade tensions.