Japan's Finance Minister declared new US auto tariffs "extremely regrettable" as tensions escalated over Trump's 25% levy set for April 3. Prime Minister warned of an "extremely large impact" on Japan's economy, continuing yesterday's market anxiety.

A major insurance industry consolidation emerged as Mitsui Sumitomo Marine and Aioi Nissay Dowa announced merger plans to create Japan's largest insurer by premium volume.

By mid-morning, a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Myanmar-Thailand border, initially described as causing "mass casualties." The death toll rose throughout the day, exceeding 150 by evening.

SoftBank Group revealed plans for an unprecedented $1 trillion investment in AI robot factories across the United States, doubling their previously announced $500 billion AI infrastructure commitment. This massive investment represents SoftBank's strategic positioning in the global AI race.