February
01.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Tariffs Struck as Sinkhole Waited

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Trump's tariffs took effect at midnight - 25% on Canada and Mexico, 10% additional on China - marking the first phase of his renewed trade offensive. Markets reacted with concern about global economic impacts.

The Yashio sinkhole rescue operation reached a milestone with ramp completion, but repeated attempts to begin heavy machinery operations were thwarted by water infiltration and unstable ground conditions. As the search passed 100 hours, rescue teams suspended operations until morning due to weather forecasts predicting snow.

Reports emerged of record Chinese tourist spending in Japan, up 30% and driven by individual wealthy travelers. The Philadelphia medical aircraft crash dominated international coverage, while LA finally contained its three-week wildfire after 29 confirmed deaths. In Tokunoshima, an 18-year-old student was arrested for the November murder of a nursery teacher.
02.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Trump's Tariffs Split Allies

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Trump's executive order imposing steep tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China dominated coverage from midnight, with markets reacting sharply. Canada's immediate 25% retaliatory tariffs marked the first major response, while China expressed "strong dissatisfaction." Economic analysis projected $50 billion losses for US automakers.

The H3 rocket's fifth successful launch from Tanegashima, deploying the Michibiki-6 GPS satellite, provided temporary respite from economic concerns. SoftBank and OpenAI's announcement of plans to build AI infrastructure across 500 Japanese companies emerged as a strategic response to China's DeepSeek AI system.

The Yashio sinkhole rescue remained stalled as water continued flooding the cavity, forcing evacuation of five additional households. Weather services warned of heavy snowfall starting February 4, particularly affecting the Sea of Japan regions. The Sapporo Snow Festival's preparations highlighted ongoing challenges with warming temperatures.
03.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Markets Bled as Winter Called

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Markets opened with sharp declines as Trump's tariffs took effect, with Nikkei dropping over 1,100 points by mid-morning. Canadian sports fans booed the US anthem at NBA games, marking growing North American trade tensions. SoftBank announced a strategic joint venture with OpenAI, positioning against China's DeepSeek system.

The meteorological agency and transportation ministry held emergency briefings about the approaching season's strongest cold wave, expected to bring heavy snowfall across northern and western Japan through February 9. Prime Minister Ishiba apologized for NUMO official's "arrogant" comments about nuclear waste facilities in disputed territories.

Wealthy Takarazuka couple donated ¥25.4 billion for municipal hospital reconstruction, while Chiyoda ward announced ¥15,000 monthly support for students amid inflation concerns. By evening, Mexico secured one-month tariff delay through direct negotiations with Trump administration.
04.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Snow Buried Obihiro as Tariffs Paused

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Hours before implementation, Trump suspended tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days, while proceeding with 10% duties on Chinese imports. China immediately announced retaliatory tariffs up to 15% and WTO litigation.

Record-breaking snowfall hit eastern Hokkaido, with Obihiro recording 124cm in 24 hours - the highest measurement in Japanese weather history. The storm paralyzed transportation, closed 140 schools, and suspended milk collection across Tokachi region.

The trial of former PM Kishida's attacker opened, with the defendant denying intent to kill while admitting to manufacturing explosives. Panasonic announced possible withdrawal from television manufacturing, marking a strategic shift for the electronics giant. Honda's attempt to acquire Nissan faced immediate resistance, suggesting difficult consolidation ahead for Japan's auto industry.
05.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Nissan Rejected Honda While Snow Buried North

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Nissan formally withdrew from merger talks with Honda, rejecting the subsidiary proposal that would have created Japan's largest automaker. The news dominated financial coverage, with Nissan's trading suspended while Honda's shares surged.

The season's strongest cold wave hit northern Japan, with Hokkaido reporting 217 school closures and 105 train cancellations. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of rapid snow accumulation in Hokuriku and southern Tohoku.

Trump's proposal for US ownership of Gaza and mass population transfer generated extensive coverage across all media. Toyota revised its profit forecast upward to ¥4.5 trillion despite operating profit declining 13.2% in Q3. The Ministry of Agriculture countered viral misinformation about the new Food Supply Crisis Law, while investigators identified the dismembered body in Higashi-Osaka as a 52-year-old transportation ministry official.
07.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Rice Flowed While Snow Returned

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The Agriculture Ministry announced emergency release of rice reserves to counter price spikes, as harvests hit historic lows - Hamanako's clam production dropped from 6,000 tons to 180kg since 2009. Former Ohtani interpreter Mizuhara received 4 years 9 months prison sentence and $26 million restitution order.

Prosecutors raided PR firm Melchu over suspected election law violations in Hyogo Governor Saito's social media campaign. The 10-year operation of a previously undisclosed US military radar base in Kyoto came to light.

By afternoon, severe weather warnings expanded as the season's strongest cold wave returned. The Meteorological Agency issued special snow warnings for Niigata and Noto Peninsula, expecting significant transportation disruptions. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance announced plans for $5 billion expansion into US and UK markets, while manufacturing sector reported 8% profit growth driven by AI investments.
08.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Trump Reframed Steel While Snow Paralyzed Center

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The morning news focused on Trump's unexpected reframing of the Nippon Steel-US Steel deal from "acquisition" to "investment" during the Ishiba summit. This shift accompanied Japan's pledge of $1 trillion in US investments. Media coverage emphasized Ishiba's careful preparation and surprisingly warm rapport with Trump, who referenced Abe five times during their joint appearance.

Heavy snowfall intensified across central Japan, with Niigata's Aga town recording a historic 194cm accumulation. The weather system caused 338 accidents in Aichi alone and multiple highway closures. By afternoon, opposition parties offered measured praise for the summit outcomes, while analysts noted Trump's deliberate avoidance of trade friction topics. Evening coverage revealed Trump's plans for "reciprocal tariffs," which hadn't been discussed during the summit, suggesting potential tensions ahead.
09.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Steel Changed Form While Earth Kept Driver

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Following the Trump-Ishiba summit, Japanese media focused on reframing the US Steel deal as "investment" rather than "acquisition," with Ishiba repeatedly emphasizing this distinction across multiple morning shows. The gift of a golden samurai helmet to Trump symbolized the careful diplomatic approach.

Search efforts for the 74-year-old truck driver in Yashio's sinkhole were officially abandoned after a brief 30-minute attempt, with authorities citing toxic gas and unstable ground conditions. This marked a shift from eight days of rescue attempts.

Heavy snowfall continued affecting transportation networks, though some restrictions in the Tokai region were lifted. The Health Ministry launched an investigation into three infant deaths linked to echovirus, while reports emerged of Trump's undisclosed phone call with Putin regarding Ukraine. The evening brought news of Fuji TV canceling its sumo tournament broadcast after sponsors withdrew.
10.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Steel Dreams Hit Trump's Wall

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Trump's declaration against Nippon Steel's majority ownership of US Steel dominated morning coverage, followed by announcement of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. China responded with retaliatory tariffs up to 15% on US coal and LNG. By afternoon, Japanese media shifted focus to diplomatic efforts, revealing behind-the-scenes negotiations where Ishiba's "logical explanations" reportedly impressed Trump.

The Yashio sinkhole search concluded after two weeks, while avalanche concerns grew following isolation of 160 people at Tsuchiyu Onsen. Aichi Prefecture announced plans for its first cybercrime bureau, responding to rising digital threats. A Japanese anthropologist's 30-year study of Nazca Lines reached breakthrough conclusions using AI analysis.

Evening coverage centered on rising opposition to medical cost reforms, with Constitutional Democratic Party demanding freeze of proposed changes to high-cost medical care system.
11.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Earth Kept Driver Three Months More

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Trump's formal signing of 25% steel tariffs dominated morning coverage, marking a sharp turn from last week's diplomatic breakthrough with Ishiba. The media's attention shifted by mid-morning to the Yashio sinkhole crisis, where authorities located what appears to be a person in the truck's cabin, 30 meters downstream in the sewage pipe. The rescue operation's three-month timeline generated significant coverage.

Chinese tourists doubled their Lunar New Year bookings to Japan, while BYD overtook Volkswagen as China's top car seller. The Defense Ministry revealed plans to send a Mogami-class frigate to Australia, part of a trillion-yen export strategy.

Evening coverage returned to trade tensions as nations began positioning for exemption negotiations, with Australia emerging as a likely first candidate for exclusion from the new tariffs.
12.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Steel Found Path Through Snow

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Japan formally requested exemption from Trump's steel tariffs, with Nippon Steel executives heading to Washington for direct negotiations. The diplomatic shift followed confirmation that the issue wasn't discussed during recent summit talks.

The rescue operation at Tsuchiyu Onsen successfully evacuated 40 people trapped by avalanches, while winter casualties reached 12 deaths and 158 injuries nationwide. The University of Tokyo announced record-high female admission rates approaching 50% through recommendation-based selection.

By afternoon, debate intensified over surname system reform within LDP, with conservative members proposing expanded maiden name usage as alternative to separate surnames. SoftBank Group reported ¥369.1 billion quarterly loss, while adding ¥230 billion investment in OpenAI. Evening reports warned of another intense cold wave approaching.
13.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Car Giants Parted While Putin Answered Trump

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Trump's conversation with Putin dominated morning coverage, with reports of potential peace talks contrasting Pentagon's statement that Ukraine's territorial recovery was "unrealistic." By midday, attention shifted to Honda and Nissan's merger collapse, revealing Honda proposed full acquisition through share swap, which Nissan rejected citing autonomy concerns. Nissan announced ¥80 billion loss forecast, while their CEO denied immediate resignation plans.

The government finalized plans to release 210,000 tons of rice reserves, marking first-ever strategic release for market stabilization. A gas explosion at Taichung's Shin Kong Mitsukoshi claimed four lives, with casualty numbers revised throughout the day. Evening coverage returned to Ukraine diplomacy, highlighting divergent approaches between Trump's ceasefire focus and Putin's demands for surrender terms.
14.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Rice Flowed While Steel Stood Firm

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The government announced its first-ever strategic release of rice reserves - 210,000 tons - to control surging prices, with distribution starting mid-March. Agricultural Minister Eto indicated willingness to increase quantities if needed.

Nippon Steel's stance hardened regarding U.S. Steel acquisition, explicitly rejecting minority stake options while pursuing full ownership. This development occurred as Japan initiated diplomatic channels to address Trump's proposed reciprocal tariffs.

The evening brought confirmation of drone strikes on Chernobyl facility, as Trump expressed support for Russia's return to G7. The entertainment industry faced scrutiny as police questioned M-1 winners over online casino involvement. A new cold wave warning emerged, with significant snowfall expected along the Sea of Japan coast next week.

Casio announced the end of electronic dictionary development, marking a technological shift in response to smartphone prevalence.
15.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Tariffs Cast Shadow Over Steel's Path

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Trump's announcement of April 2nd auto tariffs dominated morning coverage, building on previous days' steel tariff tensions. Media attention shifted between different aspects of the story throughout the day, calculating potential 6 trillion yen impact on Japanese exports. Nippon Steel's U.S. Steel acquisition strategy received renewed scrutiny in this context.

The Aomori hospital murder cover-up investigation deepened, revealing systematic falsification of death certificates marking most deaths as pneumonia. Documents showed dozens of physician signatures, suggesting institutionalized misconduct.

Reports from Ukraine's frontline highlighted resource depletion, while coverage of U.S.-China tensions increased following Wang Yi's Munich speech challenging U.S. pressure. Coverage concluded with rescue of a Japanese teen from Myanmar fraud operations, marking expansion of regional cyber-crime concerns.
16.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Peace Price Met Steel Pride

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Morning headlines focused on U.S. Special Envoy Kellogg's proposal for Ukrainian territorial concessions to Russia, generating European resistance and highlighting U.S.-EU strategic divergence. These developments coincided with reports of planned U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia.

Poll results showed divided public response to the Ishiba-Trump summit, with approval ratings ranging from 28% to 50.1% across different surveys. The variance reflects ongoing tension over U.S. auto tariffs and Nippon Steel's acquisition strategy.

The government's healthcare cost controversy intensified as National Party questioned the system allowing short-term visitors to receive substantial benefits. By afternoon, both ruling and opposition parties engaged in debate over potential reforms to the high-cost medical care system, while business coverage highlighted concerns about metropolitan concentration of political power by 2050.
17.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Growth Numbers Masked Consumer Retreat

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Japan's GDP exceeded 600 trillion yen for the first time, with Q4 2024 showing 2.8% annualized growth. Morning coverage focused on the divergence between corporate investment growth and consumer spending weakness.

The Ishiba administration continued addressing multiple policy fronts: proposing 450,000 yen support for private high school students, moving toward free elementary school lunches, and meeting with Mrs. Akagi in the Diet. UN concerns emerged regarding Japan's permanent residency revocation system.

U.S.-Russia talks scheduled for February 18th generated coverage, with Senator Rubio emphasizing Ukraine and Europe's inclusion in peace negotiations. This followed previous days' tensions over Ukrainian territorial concessions.

Citizen Watch's success with mechanical timepieces targeting youth markets indicated a broader generational shift, parallel to reports of declining Panasonic brand recognition among younger demographics.
18.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Cold Pushed While Tariffs Echoed

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Global trade tensions intensified as Japan maintained cautious stance amid worldwide retaliatory tariffs against Trump's policies. Japanese automakers Honda, Nissan, and Mazda unveiled flexible production plans in response to impending U.S. tariffs.

Infrastructure concerns emerged on multiple fronts: 380km of major sewage systems exceeded service life, while new Nankai Trough earthquake risk assessments were scheduled for month-end release. The climate plan's nuclear emphasis drew criticism for insufficient measures.

South Korea blocked Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's app downloads, while Huawei launched its tri-fold phone in Malaysia, signaling continued tech sector realignment. The LDP proposed raising income caps by 1.6 million yen as severe cold wave warnings expanded from Japan Sea regions to Pacific coastal areas.

U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia dominated international coverage, with Macron's engagement with Trump and Zelenskyy adding new diplomatic dimension.
19.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Storm Froze Parliament Like Shinkansen

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The 2.8 trillion yen January trade deficit announcement set the morning tone, while the Tohoku Shinkansen temporarily suspended operations. The parliamentary budget committee failed to convene, creating an unusual legislative deadlock amid ongoing investigations into the Abe faction's accounting.

SBI Shinsei Bank's move to double interest rates for seniors to 0.4% emerged as financial institutions position for demographic shifts. By afternoon, coverage shifted to Trump's proposed 25% auto tariffs, with analysis suggesting a potential 3 trillion yen impact on Japan's six major automakers. This development builds on previous days' coverage of U.S.-Japan trade tensions and Nippon Steel's strategic positioning.

The day's coverage concluded with warnings about an incoming cold wave for the three-day weekend, while legal commentary emerged regarding the 10-year sentence given to PM Kishida's attacker.
20.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Ukraine Shield Cracked While Schools Changed Path

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The morning headlines centered on Trump's characterization of Zelenskyy as a dictator, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Ukraine dynamics from previous days' diplomatic tensions. Japan conducted its first direct Taliban talks since 2021, while hosting discussions on tariff exemptions.

Currency markets responded to Trump's policies, pushing the yen to 149 against the dollar. The Bank of Japan governor met with the Prime Minister ahead of G20, suggesting monetary policy adjustments.

Education reform dominated afternoon coverage, with private school subsidies reaching 457,000 yen per student. The Japan Innovation Party's acceptance of the proposal triggered discussions about potential shifts from public to private education. Budget committee talks remained stalled due to ongoing funds scandal investigations, connecting to previous days' parliamentary deadlock.
21.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Winter Froze Budget While Foxconn Called East

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Inflation data showing 3.2% rise in January core prices set morning coverage tone, maintaining pressure on BOJ's rate hike path. The ruling coalition reached agreement on 2025 budget modifications, breaking previous days' parliamentary deadlock.

Chinese demand decline caused high-end Japanese whisky prices to drop 20%, while semiconductor components from Japan, US, and Europe reached Russian allies through Chinese channels. Taiwan's Foxconn proposed collaboration with Honda, potentially including Nissan and Mitsubishi, marking strategic realignment in response to previous days' auto tariff tensions.

Heavy snowfall warnings persisted throughout the day for Japan's Sea coast regions, with intensity expected to peak during the three-day weekend. The G20 foreign ministers meeting proceeded in South Africa without U.S. diplomatic presence, while Japan's Oscar-nominated documentary faced recuts over legal concerns.
22.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Bain Claimed Yokado While Emperor Turned Sixty-Five

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Seven & i Holdings' negotiations with Bain Capital for Ito-Yokado's sale emerged as the morning's central development, continuing the retail sector's restructuring that began with previous weeks' market adjustments. The deal's estimated 700 billion yen valuation dominated financial coverage.

Immigration policies showed concrete implementation as Indonesia provided Japan's first bus driver under the expanded skilled worker visa, while Ukrainian students' employment decisions highlighted ongoing refugee integration efforts. The territorial ceremony regarding South Korea-held islets maintained diplomatic pressure.

Severe weather warnings extended from the Sea of Japan to Pacific coastal regions, building on previous days' winter storm coverage. The day concluded with Emperor Naruhito's 65th birthday celebrations, while Warren Buffett indicated continued interest in expanding Japanese trading house investments.
23.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Peace Call Rose Through Digital Snow

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Emperor Naruhito's 65th birthday statement dominated morning coverage, emphasizing peace reflection ahead of WWII's 80th anniversary end, carrying forward previous days' diplomatic themes. Digital sovereignty issues emerged as international payment restrictions affected content platforms, while reports of North Korean missiles in Russian arsenal indicated evolving military dynamics.

Healthcare system analysis revealed 40% of working-age patients as long-term users of high-cost medical care, prompting policy discussions. Cabinet approval dropped three points to 40%, with Japan-US summit assessment at 47%, connecting to previous days' diplomatic and economic concerns.

Weather coverage intensified throughout the day as snow systems affected regions from Kyushu to Hokuriku, building on previous days' winter warnings. Singapore's port automation announcement provided context for regional infrastructure competition.
24.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Manila Shield Rose Through Snow

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Japan-Philippines defense cooperation materialized into formal frameworks during morning hours, building on previous weeks' regional security discussions. The agreements emerged parallel to Vietnam's export growth statistics, indicating shifting Southeast Asian economic alignments.

Climate action stagnation became evident by midday, with 90% of Paris Agreement signatories missing February submission deadlines. Indonesia's launch of the Danantara sovereign wealth fund, focusing on critical minerals and AI, suggested regional economic reorientation.

Evening coverage centered on Apple's $500 billion U.S. investment announcement, marking significant manufacturing shifts from Asia. The three-year mark of Ukraine's invasion drew attention to Chinese-Russian economic ties, while Trump's proposed pharmaceutical tariffs generated analysis of potential supply chain disruptions.
25.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Million Chinese Changed Streets While Abe Shadow Returned

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Early morning reports focused on UN Security Council's first neutral Ukraine resolution, while Japan's PM emphasized G7 unity. Coverage shifted to domestic transformation as Nikkei revealed projections of Chinese residents reaching 1 million by 2026, reshaping iconic areas like Akihabara and Dotonbori.

Coalition politics dominated midday as ruling bloc secured budget passage with opposition support, ensuring free high school education implementation. Toyota's successful steel price negotiations with Nippon Steel marked continued industrial adjustments.

Afternoon coverage returned to political investigations as former Abe faction accountants faced upcoming questioning. North Korean military capabilities gained attention through Ukrainian intelligence reports, while climate shifts brought unusual warmth to Tokyo, with temperatures reaching early April levels.
26.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Twenty Vanished While Seven Faltered

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The morning revealed the disappearance of twenty Japanese nationals in a Myanmar scam operation, adding urgency to regional security concerns following recent Philippines defense agreements. Seven & I Holdings' buyout negotiations stalled as Itochu withdrew from the founding family's proposal, connecting to previous weeks' retail sector restructuring.

Foreign currency markets responded to yen strength while food import costs reached ¥11.6 trillion, marking continued economic shifts. The administration emphasized school lunch subsidies, building on previous education funding initiatives.

By afternoon, attention turned to Ofunato's extensive wildfire, damaging over 80 buildings amid unusual winter dryness. The U.N. nuclear treaty conference proceedings gained prominence, while Indonesia's reversal of iPhone restrictions indicated evolving tech-sector dynamics in Southeast Asia.
27.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day When Birth Numbers Hit Ocean Floor

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Birth rates emerged as the central narrative, with official figures confirming 721,000 births in 2024, marking a 30% decline over ten years. The morning brought news of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking's shift from seniority-based pay, offering substantial raises to younger managers.

Forest fires in northeastern Japan intensified by midday, claiming one life and destroying over 80 homes, marking the third major fire within a week. The ruling coalition moved to freeze planned increases in medical cost burden, while adjusting the annual budget downward.

Corporate restructuring continued with Nissan considering CEO replacement following merger failures. NVIDIA maintained its market dominance despite DeepSeek concerns, while Seven & I's founding family abandoned their management buyout plans. The Nadeshiko Japan soccer team captured their first SheBelieves Cup title against the United States.
28.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Nikkei Pierced Thirty-Seven Floor While Forest Burned

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Trump's expanded tariff announcements, now including Canada and Mexico alongside doubled Chinese duties, triggered a sharp Nikkei decline, breaking through the ¥37,000 floor with a 3.7% drop. This market response connected to previous days' economic tensions and strengthening yen.

The Ofunato wildfire reached 1,200 hectares, marking the largest affected area in over 30 years, while attracting increased government attention. This crisis built upon the previous week's pattern of unusual winter fires.

Corporate restructuring continued as Aeon announced complete acquisition of subsidiaries Aeon Mall and Aeon Delight, while Nissan's CEO departure speculation intensified. Japan's first neutral-atom quantum computer development announcement indicated shifting technology priorities amid ongoing U.S. competition.

The administration rejected calls to reinvestigate political funding issues while freezing planned medical cost increases, connecting to previous budget negotiations.
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