March
01.03.2025
•
Saturday
•

Day White House Door Slammed Through Forest Smoke

⌨
The Trump-Zelenskyy White House confrontation dominated morning coverage, with reports detailing a shouting match that prevented agreement signing. Zelenskyy's subsequent refusal to apologize generated additional waves of coverage throughout the day.

The northeastern forest fires, which began making headlines two days prior, expanded to 1,400 hectares, continuing the pattern of unusual winter blazes. This crisis evolved alongside unseasonably warm temperatures in Fukuoka exceeding 20°C.

By afternoon, coverage shifted to domestic politics as the Ishin party faced multiple scandals affecting electoral prospects. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's February transit through the Taiwan Strait emerged as a significant detail, indicating continued regional security engagement amid mounting tensions.

The tsunami survivor narrative emerged late morning, with coverage of a mother's picture book about her lost daughter, connecting personal aftermath to national memory.
02.03.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day West Stood Without America Through Forest Smoke

⌨
The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting fallout dominated morning coverage, with reports revealing nearly all U.S. advisers recommended ending negotiations. Western nations rallied behind Ukraine as NATO leadership urged diplomatic repair efforts. By midday, U.S. media suggested potential military aid suspension.

The Ofunato forest fire expanded to 1,800 hectares, continuing its fifth day of destruction, while media coverage explored evacuation communication strategies for children. Japan's MSDF destroyer transit through the Taiwan Strait in February emerged as significant amid regional military modernization, with Asian navies increasingly adopting drone warfare.

A Nikkei poll revealed shifting attitudes toward digital misinformation, with 57% now holding social media companies responsible. Tokyo weather forecasts predicted a 20°C temperature drop, marking a return to winter conditions after the unusual warmth that contributed to the forest fires.
03.03.2025
•
Monday
•

Day Foreign Hand Claimed Seven Through Snow

⌨
European nations moved to form an independent Ukraine support coalition, with France and Britain proposing a one-month partial ceasefire, marking a shift from U.S.-dependent strategies. This development connected to the previous days' Trump-Zelenskyy fallout.

Seven & i Holdings' leadership transition dominated coverage, as President Isaka's resignation emerged through multiple confirmations. Steven Dacus's positioning as the first foreign CEO signaled a strategic shift amid ongoing Couche-Tard takeover tensions, connecting to the previous week's corporate restructuring patterns.

The Kanto-Koshin region faced severe weather warnings, with Tokyo temperatures dropping to 2°C and predictions of significant snowfall. This marked the return to winter conditions foreshadowed in previous days' reports, while the Ofunato forest fire coverage decreased.
04.03.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day Trade Walls Rose Through Snow

⌨
Trump's Ukraine aid suspension, which emerged from yesterday's diplomatic breakdown, triggered morning market reactions with the yen surging to 148. By midday, the trade situation escalated as the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while adding 10% to existing China tariffs. Beijing responded with agricultural product tariffs.

Japanese financial institutions showed signs of decoupling from international frameworks, with SMFG leading a withdrawal from carbon reduction commitments. The Ishiba administration secured a Lower House budget victory, while preparing responses to the trade crisis through an emergency Economic Minister dispatch to Washington.

The day's developments occurred against a backdrop of mounting weather concerns, as Tokyo implemented preventive expressway closures ahead of predicted heavy snowfall, marking a return to winter conditions following the recent forest fire crisis.
05.03.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day Intel Rose Through Fire Smoke

⌨
China's parliament opened with a maintained 5% growth target, while markets processed Trump's renewed trade stance from his State of the Union address. His calls to dismantle the CHIPS Act coincided with Intel's announcement of a secure supply chain program, marking shifts in semiconductor politics.

The Iwate wildfire entered its second week as rain approached, while Novartis revealed plans for Japan's first radioactive cancer drug production facility. The administration firmly rejected U.S. pressure to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP, maintaining sovereign budget authority.

Corporate restructuring continued with Trial Holdings' ¥382.6 billion acquisition of Seiyu, while CK Hutchison's Panama port sale to BlackRock demonstrated successful navigation of U.S. trade pressures. Evening coverage focused on European leaders considering independent Ukraine initiatives, continuing the pattern of Western realignment observed since the Trump-Zelenskyy breakdown.
06.03.2025
•
Thursday
•

Day Train Cars Split While Seven Broke Free

⌨
Pre-dawn markets responded to international developments as long-term interest rates reached 1.5%, a 16-year peak. Morning operations across eastern Japan halted when Shinkansen cars decoupled near Tokyo, affecting 150,000 passengers and forcing JR East to suspend all coupled train operations.

Seven & i Holdings announced structural transformation through a ¥2 trillion share buyback and plans to list its North American Seven-Eleven subsidiary, while maintaining majority control. President Isaka's resignation completed the leadership transition initiated earlier this week.

The Supreme Court finalized the Fukushima case by rejecting appeals to charge former TEPCO executives, while France initiated discussions on extending its nuclear deterrence umbrella across Europe. The administration maintained its rejection of U.S. defense spending demands, continuing the pattern of Western realignment observed since recent U.S.-Ukraine developments.
07.03.2025
•
Friday
•

Day Four Courts Rejected Marriage Law

⌨
The Nagoya High Court's ruling against same-sex marriage prohibition marked the fourth consecutive such decision, establishing a pattern of judicial resistance to current marriage laws. This development dominated morning coverage alongside intensifying responses to Trump's criticism of the U.S.-Japan security treaty, which prompted both diplomatic reaffirmations and market speculation about a potential "Plaza Accord 2.0".

Naval deployments in the South China Sea increased as U.S., EU, and Japan coordinated responses to regional tensions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ishiba confirmed the postponement of planned healthcare cost increases, responding to internal party pressure. The administration maintained emphasis on the strategic value of U.S. base hosting while managing market responses to Trump's trade policy oscillations.

Chinese export growth showed decline amid U.S. trade tensions, while semiconductor production plans revealed American aims to double domestic manufacturing share for AI chips.
08.03.2025
•
Saturday
•

Day Kuroda Spoke While Snow Covered Memory Path

⌨
Early morning weather warnings for western Tokyo preceded coverage of March 11 earthquake memorial preparations, with Yuzuru Hanyu's ice show in Miyagi gaining attention. The commemorative thread expanded through reports of a pediatrician opening practice in Fukushima and fishing industry recovery efforts.

Former BOJ chief Kuroda addressed international accusations of yen manipulation, continuing the currency dialogue from previous days' Trump-related market tensions. The Hokkaido Shinkansen extension delay to 2039 emerged as infrastructure news, while coverage maintained focus on gender disparities in STEM education and workplace equality.

South Korean President Yoon's release after 52 days of detention marked the day's primary international development, while reports surfaced of conflicts between Musk and cabinet members in Trump's administration.
09.03.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Moon Rover Died While Women Ranked Low

⌨
The Japanese lunar rover mission concluded as Kyodo reported the craft had given up surface exploration, marking an end to this space endeavor. Simultaneously, Japan's position as the third-worst place for working women according to The Economist's 2024 international ranking highlighted persistent gender inequality issues.

Financial sector corruption emerged as a significant theme with Nikkei detailing a pattern of megabank employees stealing from safe deposit boxes and regulators engaging in insider trading. Prime Minister Ishiba used the LDP convention to call for party unity and humility ahead of summer elections, seeking to rebuild trust following scandals.

Commemorations of the 1945 Tokyo air raids featured prominently with survivor testimonies, while coverage continued on the containment of a 12-day forest fire in Ofunato. International reporting focused on Chinese students using Japanese art education as a pathway to permanent residency.
10.03.2025
•
Monday
•

Day Real Wages Fell While North Korea Launched

⌨
Real wages fell 1.8% in January, marking the first decline in three months amid intensifying global tariff wars. China implemented a second round of retaliatory tariffs against US agricultural products, particularly impacting American cotton farmers who face four-year low prices despite Trump's calls for patience.

North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles into the Yellow Sea, coinciding with the start of US-South Korea joint military exercises. The security situation in East Asia further destabilized as reports emerged questioning Trump's team's commitment to Taiwan's defense.

Honda announced halving engine production capacity at its Guangzhou plant as Chinese consumers rapidly shift to electric vehicles. Tokyo marked the 80th anniversary of the 1945 US air raids which killed 100,000 people in a single night, continuing the commemorative thread preceding the March 11 earthquake anniversary observed in previous days' coverage.
11.03.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day Markets Tumbled While Nation Remembered

⌨
The Nikkei average plummeted over 1,000 points, falling below 36,000 as markets reacted to Trump's comments suggesting a possible US recession and Japan's downward GDP revision to 2.2% growth. Nissan announced a major leadership overhaul, with CEO Makoto Uchida stepping down and four of five executives being replaced.

March 11th marked the 14th anniversary of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters. Media featured stories of a 90-year-old still searching for their son, farmers who continued family businesses after evacuation, and authorities struggling with storage costs for 470,000 disaster-related items. A former Okuma town mayor revealed difficult decisions made during the nuclear crisis.

International coverage focused on former Philippine President Duterte's arrest on ICC charges related to his drug war, with reports tracking his transfer from Manila amid political tensions with the Marcos family.
12.03.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day Trump's Tariffs Hit While Wages Rose

⌨
Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Japan, prompting expressions of "regret" from Japanese officials while other Asian nations responded more moderately than the EU's announced countermeasures. This tariff development follows yesterday's falling real wages amidst intensifying global tariff wars.

Major Japanese companies like Hitachi and Toyota achieved record wage increases exceeding 5% for a second consecutive year, though concerns emerged about widening wage disparities between large corporations and smaller enterprises. Converting nominal raises to real wage growth remains challenging.

The Ukraine-US ceasefire proposal reportedly puts pressure on Putin to respond, while Ukrainian and Israeli drone manufacturers appeal to South Korea with battle-tested technology. Prime Minister Kishida faces mounting internal party pressure to step down, continuing the political instability thread from previous days' reporting.
13.03.2025
•
Thursday
•

Day Ishiba's Gift Cards Created Political Tremor

⌨
The political scandal involving Prime Minister Ishiba's distribution of ¥100,000 gift certificates to 15 Diet members dominated headlines, evolving from morning revelations to afternoon defense as Ishiba claimed no violation of political funding regulations despite all recipients returning the vouchers. This controversy emerges amid his already tenuous position, with reports of "Ishiba ouster" sentiment growing within the LDP.

Trade tensions continued escalating, with concerns about potential US automotive tariffs following Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs implemented yesterday. The Canadian convenience store giant persisted in its Seven & i Holdings takeover bid, with its CEO expressing confidence despite regulatory hurdles.

In crime news, authorities recovered bodies from MSDF helicopters that collided in 2024, while details emerged about a Tokyo livestreamer stabbed over 30 times. Police also reported over 3 million Japanese engaged in illegal online gambling.
14.03.2025
•
Friday
•

Day Gift Vouchers Haunted Prime Minister

⌨
Prime Minister Ishiba's gift voucher scandal intensified throughout the day, evolving from early reports of LDP lawmakers returning the ¥100,000 vouchers to afternoon news of constituents expressing disappointment. This controversy, continuing from previous days, further destabilized his already precarious political position.

G7 foreign ministers demanded Russia accept a ceasefire agreement, threatening increased sanctions if refused. China expressed anger over CK Hutchison's Panama ports sale, causing the company's shares to fall over 6% as state-backed media claimed the deal wasn't merely "commercial."

Economic reporting highlighted Japan's spring labor negotiations achieving average wage increases of 5.46%, reaching a 33-year high and slightly surpassing last year's 5.28%. This follows yesterday's Trump tariff implementation and continuing concerns about wage disparities between large and small companies. Gold prices broke the $3,000 threshold, marking the third major postwar surge.
15.03.2025
•
Saturday
•

Day PayPay Bank Changed Interest While Prime Minister's Donations Troubled

⌨
Prime Minister Ishiba's political troubles deepened as reports revealed 14 instances of personal donations listing corporate addresses rather than individual donor addresses, echoing the gift voucher controversy from previous days. Morning headlines noted Trump ally's eight-hour wait before meeting Putin regarding Ukraine ceasefire talks, supporting yesterday's reports of Trump claiming high probability of Russia-Ukraine war conclusion.

Economic news centered on PayPay Bank's innovative move to allow interest payment as PayPay points starting late 2025, while doubling savings interest rates from 0.2% to 0.4% starting March 17. This represents the first such initiative by a Japanese bank, expanding its economic ecosystem.

Trade tensions continued as US commerce chief explicitly ruled out auto tariff exemptions for Japan, following yesterday's implementation of steel and aluminum tariffs. Japanese onsen face growing water shortages amid booming tourism, particularly from foreign visitors.
16.03.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Long-Range Missiles Found New Home

⌨
Japan's defense strategy took center stage with reports of plans to deploy long-range missiles on Kyushu island, expanding the country's "counterstrike capabilities." This development occurred amid continuing political troubles for Prime Minister Ishiba, whose gift voucher scandal extended into a third day with opposition parties claiming the distribution plan may violate laws.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party's struggles to attract younger members were highlighted as the party marked its 70th anniversary. International news focused on Trump's tariff policies, with economist Raghuram Rajan warning they would fail to create jobs as promised.

Japan's major trading companies (sogo shosha) announced new transparency measures to help investors evaluate their business restructuring capabilities, with Itochu and Sumitomo planning to begin disclosure from fiscal 2025. Cultural coverage included the popularity of Japanese TV show "The Solitary Gourmet" in South Korea.
17.03.2025
•
Monday
•

Day BOJ Resisted Rate Hike As Ishiba's Popularity Fell

⌨
The Bank of Japan dominated morning financial news as speculation about monetary tightening drove long-term interest rates higher, despite reports the central bank would likely hold rates steady amid intensifying trade war pressures. This development continues the economic uncertainty trend following previous days' coverage of Trump's tariff policies.

Prime Minister Ishiba's political troubles deepened as morning headlines revealed plunging Cabinet approval ratings due to the ongoing gift voucher controversy, which has now affected his administration for four consecutive days.

Mt. Fuji climbers will face new 4,000 yen fees to address overcrowding concerns, while diplomatic tensions surfaced with Japan requesting Taiwan's Osaka Expo pavilion be labeled as privately operated. In corporate news, Honda announced plans to procure hybrid batteries from Toyota's U.S. plant, representing rare cooperation between Japan's automotive rivals.
18.03.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day Ceasefire Unraveled As Land Prices Peaked

⌨
Morning reports captured the deteriorating Gaza ceasefire with Israeli strikes on Hamas targets, with later updates revealing civilians' anger after a night of fear. The Trump-Putin phone call planned for Tuesday morning appeared in early headlines, with subsequent reports suggesting Ukrainian territorial concessions as a topic.

Economic news highlighted a 2.7% rise in land prices nationwide, reaching a 30-year high since 1992, driven by foreign investment amid yen depreciation. This continues Japan's economic transformation trend from previous days' coverage of banking innovations.

Prime Minister Ishiba's political troubles persisted from previous days, with new reports indicating his willingness to attend ethics hearings, while analysis suggested removing him might prove challenging despite ongoing scandals. Indonesia's stock market plunged over 7%, triggering a trading halt, while Yamamoto secured a win as the Dodgers defeated the Cubs in the MLB season opener.
19.03.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day BOJ Stood Still As Kishida Joined Voucher Scandal

⌨
The Bank of Japan maintained its interest rate at 0.5% amid escalating trade war concerns, with Governor Ueda emphasizing potential future hikes while monitoring Trump's tariff impacts. This decision followed previous days' speculation about monetary tightening and rising long-term interest rates.

The political gift voucher controversy widened to include former Prime Minister Kishida, who reportedly distributed 100,000 yen worth of vouchers to parliamentary vice ministers in 2022. This extends the scandal beyond current PM Ishiba, whose approval ratings had already plummeted due to similar allegations.

In international news, Putin agreed to halt strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure but rejected a full ceasefire in talks with Trump, suggesting Russian advantage in negotiations. Meanwhile, Chinese automaker BYD's breakthrough in 5-minute EV charging disrupted the market, continuing the technological competition trend with Japanese manufacturers.
20.03.2025
•
Thursday
•

Day Sarin Shadow Cast While Japan Claimed World Cup

⌨
The 30th anniversary of the Tokyo subway sarin attack commanded significant coverage throughout the day, with multiple outlets examining the lasting impact of Japan's worst post-war terrorist incident and noting that AUM's successor groups continue targeting youth. Economic reporting highlighted SoftBank's trillion-yen planned acquisition of semiconductor designer Ampere and NVIDIA's expanding economic ecosystem of 400 companies, signaling intensifying competition in the AI semiconductor space.

The afternoon brought a rare moment of national pride as Japan defeated Bahrain to become the first non-host nation to clinch a spot in the 2026 World Cup. International developments included Trump-Zelenskyy pledges to end the Ukraine war, Hamas counterattacks against Israel, and Indonesia granting its military expanded governmental powers. The day concluded with reports that Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry would become the first female and first African IOC president, with Japan's candidate unsuccessful.
21.03.2025
•
Friday
•

Day Cherry Blossoms Arrived While Fuji Eruption Plans Revealed

⌨
The Pentagon's reported plan to freeze U.S. Forces Japan upgrades emerged in early morning coverage, continuing the previous day's defense focus but shifting toward bilateral relations. The gift voucher scandal that has plagued Prime Minister Ishiba since mid-March widened further, with revelations that Liberal Democratic Party member Ooka also received vouchers during the Abe administration, complicating the prime minister's position.

Tokyo's cherry blossoms received ecological attention, forecast to bloom on March 24, earlier than other regions, marking spring's arrival. Economic preparations dominated afternoon coverage with an expert panel presenting Mount Fuji eruption countermeasures, estimating potential damage at ¥2.5 trillion. Railways and utilities shared business continuity plans addressing ash fallout scenarios. International coverage remained varied but secondary, touching on Trump's Ukraine minerals deal, Chinese automakers' global expansion, and deteriorating China-Canada relations.
22.03.2025
•
Saturday
•

Day Three Ministers Forged Path While Trump's Shadow Lengthened

⌨
The foreign ministers of Japan, China, and South Korea met in Tokyo, agreeing to promote "future-oriented" cooperation and accelerating preparations for a trilateral summit. This diplomatic advancement dominated morning coverage across multiple outlets, showing rare regional unity amid global uncertainty. By mid-morning, reports emerged of progress in Japan-China negotiations to resume Japanese seafood imports to China, with preparations underway for Chinese Premier Li's visit.

International news mentioned potential U.S.-backed territorial division in Ukraine and Israeli suggestions of partial Gaza annexation. North Korea's continued support for Russia's invasion was noted. By afternoon, an emerging narrative suggested Trump's influence was driving the trilateral Asian cooperation, with China possibly seeking to divide Japan-South Korea-U.S. relations. The day's coverage continued threads from previous days on regional diplomacy while the Prime Minister's gift voucher scandal receded from headlines.
23.03.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Ishiba Cabinet Hit Record Low While Sumo Champion Emerged

⌨
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.
24.03.2025
•
Monday
•

Day Joint Command Formed While Rural Women Fled

⌨
Japan launched its Joint Operations Command to unify SDF branches, marking a significant military restructuring aimed at better coordination with U.S. forces. This development occupied morning headlines across multiple outlets.

The rural exodus of women emerged as a major societal concern, with reports that female outmigration in regions like Kumamoto Prefecture now occurs at three times the rate of males, straining maternity facilities and reflecting persistent gender employment disparities.

Forest fires continued spreading in Okayama and Ehime prefectures. Cherry blossoms arrived in central Tokyo on schedule, matching the historical average timing.

Prime Minister Ishiba resumed evening dinner meetings while apologizing over the merchandise voucher controversy that had driven his Cabinet's approval ratings to record lows in the previous day's reporting. The government announced extension of gasoline subsidies beyond April, alongside potential additional measures regarding rice reserves.
25.03.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day Court Dissolved Unification Church

⌨
The Tokyo District Court ordered the dissolution of the former Unification Church, marking the first such order based on civil law violations in Japan's history. The church immediately announced plans to appeal. This dramatic development dominated coverage throughout the day, with reports detailing reactions from "second-generation" church members.

The Osaka High Court became the fifth high court to rule Japan's same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional, though it upheld a lower court decision denying damages to plaintiffs. This continues the judicial pressure on legislators that has built over previous rulings.

International tensions featured prominently with reports of "escalating" Chinese vessel activity near the Senkaku Islands and concerns about potential Trump administration port fees on Chinese vessels. Economic developments included Mitsubishi Corporation and JFE Holdings announcing plans to invest up to 1.5 trillion yen to build a data center at a former blast furnace site, addressing growing AI infrastructure demands.
26.03.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day Wounded Palestinians Arrived While Wildfires Spread

⌨
Japan began accepting wounded Palestinians from Gaza for medical treatment, marking a significant humanitarian gesture amid continuing Middle East tensions. The Black Sea truce between Russia and Ukraine garnered attention, though the Kremlin attached conditions to its implementation.

Wildfires in Ehime and Okayama prefectures intensified due to strong winds, with reports of fires reaching residential areas by afternoon. Transport disruptions affected the Tohoku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Morioka until evening.

The legal challenge to Japan's same-sex marriage ban continued to reverberate, with coverage noting that five high courts have now ruled the ban unconstitutional. In a historic achievement for Japanese mathematics, Kyoto University professor Masaki Kashiwara became the first Japanese recipient of the Abel Prize.

Banking news revealed Chiba Bank's planned acquisition of nearly 20% of Chiba Kogyo Bank's shares, potentially leading to a management integration.
27.03.2025
•
Thursday
•

Day Trump Tariffs Targeted Japan While Okinawa Prepared For War

⌨
Trump's confirmed 25% auto tariffs dominated news cycles, with implementation set for April 3 without country exemptions. Japanese automakers' stocks fell as government officials scrambled to consider "all options" and seek exemptions. The Nikkei Shimbun calculated potential damage at 13 trillion yen to Japan's domestic car industry.

Media revealed Trump's Russian financial connections, noting Russian oligarchs provided loans when American banks refused him after bankruptcies. The former president reportedly called these oligarchs "very good people."

By midday, Kyodo News reported Japan's plans to evacuate 120,000 Okinawa islanders near Taiwan in case of emergency, reflecting escalating regional tensions with China. Meanwhile, Microsoft's strategic shift toward developing proprietary AI foundation models for business software gained attention as CEO Satya Nadella announced plans to reduce reliance on OpenAI's technology.
28.03.2025
•
Friday
•

Day Earthquake Shook Borders While Tariffs Threatened Economy

⌨
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.
29.03.2025
•
Saturday
•

Day Myanmar Quake Death Toll Climbed While Ishiba Strengthened Alliance

⌨
The Myanmar-Thailand earthquake dominated coverage throughout the day as the death toll rose dramatically from 144 to over 1,600. Japanese media tracked the military junta's requests for international aid and reported two Japanese nationals injured in the disaster. By early afternoon, Japan announced plans to provide relief supplies.

In domestic policy, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced relaxation of restrictions on local government employees holding second jobs, shifting from principle prohibition to allowing work that contributes to community development. Financial reporting focused on risks associated with management buyouts and debt-heavy privatizations.

Prime Minister Ishiba called for strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance, while Pentagon head Hegseth made his first visit to Japan for a war memorial service. Diplomatically significant, China indicated interest in cooperating with Japan and South Korea on North Korean denuclearization, potentially seeking to reduce U.S. regional influence.
30.03.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Defense Chiefs Bolstered Alliance While Myanmar Earthquake Tragedy Unfolded

⌨
U.S.-Japan defense relations dominated morning coverage as defense chiefs met to urgently bolster deterrence amid China's rising influence. This follows Pentagon head Hegseth's first Japan visit and Prime Minister Ishiba's calls for strengthening the alliance reported yesterday. By afternoon, reassurances emerged that no U.S. demands for increased defense spending materialized, likely bringing relief to Japanese officials.

The Myanmar earthquake aftermath continued to develop, with reports of a collapsed airport control tower and a Japanese national unaccounted for. The humanitarian situation appeared complex as opposition forces declared partial ceasefires in affected areas while Myanmar's military reportedly continued airstrikes despite the disaster.

Financial news revealed plans by Japan's FSA to introduce insider trading regulations for cryptocurrency as active accounts have increased 3.6-fold over five years. Reports also highlighted a technical lag in Tokyo's foreign exchange systems compared to New York, potentially damaging national interests.
31.03.2025
•
Monday
•

Day Market Freefall Met Myanmar Death Toll Rise

⌨
The Nikkei average plummeted throughout the morning, initially falling 1,100 points before deepening to over 1,500 points by midday. The decline pushed the index below 36,000 yen amid what markets labeled "Trump tariff recession" fears, continuing the financial anxiety that began with Trump's auto tariff announcement last week.

The Myanmar earthquake death toll surpassed 2,000 as rescue hopes faded three days after the disaster. Reports indicated the military continued bombing operations despite the humanitarian crisis, complicating aid delivery efforts documented by Nikkei Asia.

Japan's parliament enacted the FY2025 budget after a rare revision process, reflecting Prime Minister Ishiba's reversal on medical cost increases. Meanwhile, a government study warned the Nankai Trough megaquake could kill up to 298,000 people despite a 10% reduction in estimated casualties through mitigation measures.

Fuji TV's president issued an apology following a third-party committee report on workplace sexual violence.
Japan Live Headlines