April
01.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Day China Blockaded Taiwan While Ishiba Apologized

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China launched joint military exercises aimed at blockading Taiwan, dominating the morning's regional security coverage. This escalation follows tensions reported throughout previous days and coincides with GlobalFoundries considering a merger with Taiwan's UMC chipmaker.

Domestically, Prime Minister Ishiba's six-month mark in office was overshadowed by his public apology regarding shopping voucher distribution during a morning press conference. He pledged to implement inflation-relief measures by May, particularly addressing minimum wage increases and rising rice prices, while rejecting food consumption tax reductions.

Economic concerns intensified as the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey showed large manufacturers' sentiment worsening for the first time in four quarters, attributed to Trump's tariff policies. By afternoon, analysis indicated Trump's proposed tariffs could reduce global GDP by over $700 billion.

The Myanmar earthquake crisis continued to develop with the death toll exceeding 2,700. Japan announced deployment of 32 medical personnel as hospitals in affected areas reached capacity.
02.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Myanmar Aid Arrived Amid Trade War Preparations

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Myanmar's earthquake crisis continued to evolve with the death toll reaching 2,700. Japan responded by pledging $6 million in emergency aid and dispatching medical teams to Yangon, though tensions flared when Myanmar's military reportedly fired on a Chinese Red Cross relief convoy.

Trump's tariff "Liberation Day" dominated financial discussions as markets braced for implementation. The Japan Times noted Japan has leverage in potential negotiations, while Nikkei reported Japanese investors pursuing NISA accounts for foreign currency diversification amid night-time yen appreciation.

China's military actions around Taiwan intensified following yesterday's blockade exercises, maintaining regional security concerns. The Nikkei Shimbun reported mysterious disappearances of generals close to Xi Jinping within the People's Liberation Army.

Domestically, the Finance Ministry announced it would disclose Moritomo documents to bereaved families while LDP officials directly confronted the Prime Minister over inflation concerns.
03.04.2025
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Thursday
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Trump Tariff Shock Day

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Trump's surprise announcement of a 24% tariff on Japan sent markets into freefall. The Nikkei plummeted over 1,500 points in early trading, continuing the previous days' downward trend. By afternoon, the impact spread globally with the Dow dropping over 1,500 points.

Japan's government promised a "bold and speedy" response, though the Economic Minister later admitted retaliatory tariffs would be "difficult." Party leaders from across the political spectrum scheduled emergency meetings as markets digested that Trump's formula likely calculated tariffs by dividing trade deficits by import volumes.

Financial analysts warned market adjustments would continue with the yen strengthening to 145 against the dollar, a six-month high. The market chaos overshadowed domestic news about 26 middle school students being investigated for cannabis-related offenses, a record high indicating a growing youth drug problem.
04.04.2025
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Friday
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Global Market Meltdown As Trade War Expands

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The escalating trade war between the US and China dominated financial markets, with China's retaliatory 34% tariff announcement triggering another massive selloff. Asian stocks continued their freefall after global markets lost $3.5 trillion the previous day, with Tokyo stocks plunging over 1,400 points and the Dow dropping below 39,000. Japanese markets were particularly vulnerable as analyses showed Trump's tariffs could reduce Japan's economic growth by up to 2%.

The trade conflict directly undermined Japanese manufacturers' "China+1" supply chain strategy as Southeast Asian production facilities now face unexpected high tariffs. Prime Minister Ishiba announced the establishment of a ministerial meeting to address what Japan Times called a "national crisis."

Meanwhile, South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his December martial law declaration, removing him from office and triggering elections within 60 days. Yoon expressed regret in his first statement following the decision.
05.04.2025
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Saturday
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Day Tariff Calculus Reshapes Industry

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The escalating US-China trade war continued dominating Japanese media with China's retaliatory tariffs driving global market tumbles. After three days of massive selloffs, Tokyo stocks braced for further declines next week. Prime Minister Ishiba announced plans to speak directly with Trump about tariffs, signaling Japan's diplomatic response to what previous days' reporting called a "national crisis."

Japanese manufacturers began strategic restructuring with Nissan planning to shift some domestic production to the US to avoid Trump's punitive tariffs - the first concrete industrial response to the new trade reality. The controversial nature of Trump's tariff formula became a focal point of analysis, suggesting calculation methods rather than economic principles were driving policy.

Meanwhile, NATO's chief expressed interest in deepening defense-industrial ties with Japan, potentially signaling alignment with US interests. Prince Hisahito's university entrance marked a rare non-economic headline amid the ongoing South Korean political coverage of President Yoon's impeachment aftermath.
06.04.2025
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Sunday
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Day of ETC Failure and Trump Tariff Fallout

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The nationwide ETC system failure dominated Sunday's news cycle, causing significant traffic disruptions across seven prefectures. By midday, officials advised drivers to continue through malfunctioning tollbooths as accidents were reported amid the chaos. System modifications were suspected as a potential cause.

The Trump tariff crisis entered its fourth day, with Elon Musk advocating for zero tariffs between the US and Europe while Japanese automakers continued strategizing responses. Daiwa Securities broke with traditional hiring practices, offering starting salaries up to 500,000 yen to attract skilled workers amid economic uncertainty.

South Korea's post-impeachment transition received continued coverage, with ousted President Yoon remaining out of public view as political parties shifted into election mode. Meanwhile, Japan and the US conducted joint exercises simulating a Taiwan contingency as the Defense Minister vowed to enhance transport capacity with a new unit.
07.04.2025
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Monday
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The Market Crash Day

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The third-largest crash in Nikkei history dominated Japanese media as markets opened with a dramatic plunge below 31,000 points, a level not seen in 18 months. By early morning, losses exceeded 2,900 points as panic selling spread across Asia, with Hong Kong eventually falling 13%.

The market collapse directly continued the previous days' trade war escalation, with China's 34% retaliatory tariffs against the US triggering fears of global recession. Japanese corporations began revising FY2026 forecasts from growth to decline.

Prime Minister Ishiba's response evolved throughout the day, from emphasizing Japan's "fairness" in trade to holding a much-anticipated phone call with Trump by early afternoon. Their conversation resulted in an agreement to appoint cabinet-level tariff negotiators.

As Japan grappled with economic turmoil, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Iwoto Island, beginning commemorations for the 80th anniversary of WWII's end.
08.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Nikkei Rebound Day

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The Nikkei average achieved a historic comeback, closing with a 6% gain of 1,876 points - the fourth largest single-day recovery in history. This dramatic rebound followed yesterday's third-largest crash, as investors sought bargains amid signs that US market losses were stabilizing.

Prime Minister Ishiba appointed Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa as Japan's lead negotiator for US tariff talks, following through on yesterday's phone agreement with Trump. This development suggests the administration is mobilizing high-level resources to address what previous reporting framed as a "national crisis."

International economic turbulence continued spreading with Indonesia's stock index tumbling over 9% and its currency hitting an all-time low, demonstrating the regional ripple effects of the Trump tariff policies.

A potential EU ban on carbon fiber in automobiles emerged as a new threat to Japanese manufacturers like Toray and Teijin, who dominate the global market.
09.04.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Tariffs Spiraled

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Trump's sweeping tariffs officially took effect overnight, with Japan facing 24% duties while China received a cumulative 104%. By morning, Japanese markets responded with sharp declines, extending the previous day's volatility despite Tuesday's historic Nikkei rebound.

Japan positioned itself among the first countries to enter negotiations, with its government formally requesting the US drop these "regrettable" tariffs. The economic impact quickly spread domestically with concerns about household food prices emerging.

By midday, China dramatically escalated the conflict by announcing additional 50% duties on US goods, bringing their total retaliatory tariff to 84%. This immediate counter-measure transformed what began as Trump's unilateral action into a rapidly spiraling trade war.

Meanwhile, domestic concerns continued with 24,000 users applying for refunds from the recent ETC system failure, while discriminatory language surrounding decontaminated soil sparked social discourse.
10.04.2025
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Thursday
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Trump Tariff Pause Reversal Day

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Markets whipsawed violently as Trump announced a surprising 90-day pause on tariffs for most nations while increasing China's rate to 125%. The Nikkei responded with its second-largest gain in history, surging 9.1% (2,894 points) to close at 34,609 yen as investors who had sold short rushed to cover positions.

Beijing immediately countered with 84% retaliatory tariffs on all US imports, escalating the trade war despite the broader global reprieve. ASEAN criticized US tariff policies but pledged not to retaliate.

The EU joined Japan in suspending retaliatory measures during this 90-day window. Japan's government labeled the temporary reprieve "positive" while Fast Retailing founder Tadashi Yanai dismissed Trump's tariffs as "irrational" and predicted they "won't last."

By early evening, market optimism faded as the Dow plunged over 1,000 points, reflecting persistent investor anxiety despite the tariff pause.
11.04.2025
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Friday
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Day China Countered The Trump Pause

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The morning witnessed the Nikkei plunge 1,900 points despite Trump's 90-day tariff pause announced yesterday, with traders citing continued trade war fears. The yen simultaneously appreciated to 142 per dollar, a six-month high.

By midday, Prime Minister Ishiba characterized the tariff situation as a "national crisis" requiring a unified Japanese response, while arranging ministerial talks with the US for next week.

The afternoon brought the most significant development as China announced it would raise retaliatory tariffs on US goods to 125% starting April 12, effectively matching Trump's China-specific rate. Beijing portrayed this as their final escalation, suggesting American exports were no longer commercially viable at these levels.

Japanese corporations continued adapting to the trade turmoil, with drugstore giants Welcia and Tsuruha accelerating their merger timeline by two years to consolidate against e-commerce competition amid economic uncertainty.
12.04.2025
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Saturday
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Day of Expo Opening and Tariff Relief for Smartphones

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The Osaka-Kansai Expo held its formal opening ceremony with Emperor Naruhito and PM Ishiba in attendance, who warned of a "divided world." The Expo begins fully tomorrow, with last-minute ticket purchases creating lines despite storm warnings. Ishiba's government rebuffed calls for tax cuts amid the continuing economic fallout from Trump's tariffs.

International news showed Ukraine receiving record financial support of ¥3.4 trillion from 50 countries, while a US special envoy proposed "joint management" for post-war Ukraine during talks with Putin.

By afternoon, a significant development emerged as smartphones were excluded from mutual US-China tariffs, saving Apple's iPhone from price increases. Earlier, Nikkei reported Apple and HP had halted exports from inland China to the US, showing the tariff war's substantial supply chain impacts despite the partial 90-day pause announced two days prior.
13.04.2025
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Sunday
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Day Expo Opens Under Tariff Shadow

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The Osaka Expo officially opened to the public with large crowds forming early morning lines. The six-month event featuring 158 participating countries emphasizes sustainability themes, though some attractions faced immediate challenges as flying cars remained grounded due to bad weather. Prime Minister Ishiba actively promoted the Expo while announcing plans to unveil a new Disaster Prevention Agency in June.

The economic fallout from Trump's tariff policies continued to shape reporting, with news that smartphones and semiconductor equipment would be excluded from mutual US-China tariffs—a significant concession to tech industry realities. A Kyodo poll revealed 84% of Japanese expect Trump's tariffs to affect their livelihoods, while the Yomiuri showed cabinet approval holding steady at 31%. Meanwhile, a Mainichi poll indicated 57% of respondents do not support the government's cash payment proposal.
14.04.2025
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Monday
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Day of Demographic Decline and Nintendo Tariff Warnings

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Japan's population declined for the 14th consecutive year, falling by 550,000 to 123.8 million, with the Tokyo metropolitan area facing a serious eldercare crisis as 25% of residents are now over 65. The ongoing US-Japan trade tensions evolved with conflicting reports about smartphone tariff exemptions, as Trump's policy appeared to shift from exclusion to imposing semiconductor-related tariffs on phones instead.

Nintendo became a focal point in trade discussions as suppliers warned the Switch 2 console faces potential 145% tariff increases, contrasting with smartphone exemptions. Apple responded to the shifting landscape by ramping up production in India and Vietnam while navigating stricter customs checks in China.

Prime Minister Ishiba maintained a firm stance, declaring Japan would not rush to compromise in upcoming US tariff negotiations while denying implementing election-motivated economic handouts. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping courted Vietnam to join China in confronting the trade war.
15.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Google Faced Antitrust Order As Honda Shifts Production

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The Japanese Fair Trade Commission issued a historic exclusion order against Google for antitrust violations regarding smartphone search apps, marking the first such action against a major tech company in Japan. Japanese media closely tracked this regulatory development throughout the morning.

Honda revealed plans to increase US production to cover 90% of local sales within 2-3 years, shifting away from Canadian and Mexican manufacturing in response to Trump's threatened 25% vehicle tariffs. This continues the ongoing realignment of supply chains seen in previous days with Nintendo and Apple.

Auto stocks jumped across Asia as Trump considered potential tariff exemptions, offering a possible reprieve amid the escalating trade tensions that dominated coverage since early April. Meanwhile, Japanese retail businesses reported their first profit decline in four years due to stronger-than-expected consumer budget cutting, raising concerns about wage growth stagnation.
16.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Trump Personally Entered Tariff Talks

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China reported 5.4% first-quarter GDP growth despite ongoing tariff tensions with the US, though export outlook remains uncertain. Japan's historic first cease-and-desist order against Google for antitrust violations continued to draw attention from previous day's coverage.

By mid-morning, the Japan Times reported Trump calling the US-Japan alliance "one-sided," contrasting with Tokyo's position. The trade situation intensified as Trump announced his personal participation in US-Japan tariff negotiations scheduled for April 16 (US time), with defense cost-sharing also on the agenda. Japan's Economic Minister Akazawa sought concessions while navigating challenging negotiations.

Meanwhile, President Xi positioned China to "stand with Asian peers against unilateralism," likely a reference to Trump's trade policies. In domestic news, gasoline subsidies were temporarily suspended for the first time in three years, while SBI Holdings increased its stake in South Korea's third-largest life insurer.
17.04.2025
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Thursday
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Day US-Japan Tariff Talks Find Momentum As Taiwan Tech Rivalry Heats Up

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US-Japan tariff negotiations showed signs of progress in the early morning hours, with Trump claiming "big progress" and both sides agreeing to "aim for an early agreement." Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged talks "won't be easy" but indicated plans to visit the US for direct discussions with Trump "at an appropriate time."

By mid-morning, Taiwan's tech ambitions emerged as a parallel story, with TSMC reporting a 60% profit jump while announcing plans to build an "independent" US chip manufacturing hub capable of producing 30% of its cutting-edge 2-nanometer chips in Arizona. Taiwan's Yageo also escalated its corporate takeover battle with Japan's Minebea, raising its bid for Shibaura Electronics.

Domestic concerns surfaced by afternoon with cabinet disapproval ratings exceeding 50% for the first time, while Mizuho Bank announced support for small businesses struggling with trade uncertainty through unsecured loans.
18.04.2025
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Friday
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Inflation Relief Measures Day Under U.S. Tariff Shadow

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Japan's core consumer prices rose 3.2% in March, driven by a dramatic 92% surge in rice prices, prompting government action. By mid-morning, officials announced a 10-yen reduction in gasoline prices and electricity/gas subsidies extending through September as inflation relief measures.

U.S.-Japan trade tensions continued as Trump reiterated opposition to Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel, while Prime Minister Ishiba instructed acceleration of tariff countermeasures and sought "specific progress" in upcoming bilateral talks. This follows previous days' negotiations where Trump personally participated.

In domestic developments, Japan enacted an emergency animal shooting law responding to increased bear attacks and introduced new safety regulations requiring proper clothing for Mt. Fuji climbers. The morning was punctuated by a magnitude 5 earthquake in Nagano Prefecture, followed by a magnitude 4 aftershock, with authorities confirming no tsunami risk.
19.04.2025
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Saturday
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Day of Aftershocks and Robot Marathon

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Morning coverage focused on the aftermath of yesterday's magnitude 5 earthquake, which damaged an important cultural property and disrupted train services that have since returned to normal operation. Media attention shifted to Beijing hosting the "world's first" humanoid robot half marathon, marking a significant technological spectacle.

US-Japan tariff tensions persisted with Japan's negotiator ruling out a quick deal despite Trump's push, while reports emerged of expanded rice imports being considered. The Foreign Minister emphasized that security concerns should remain separate from trade negotiations, maintaining Japan's consistent position.

International developments included Russia announcing a temporary Easter military pause in Ukraine, while domestically, the government announced a ministerial council to support Japan's "ice age generation" - those who struggled during the economic downturn of the late 1990s. The Osaka World Expo entered its second week amid concerns about unusually hot weather.
20.04.2025
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Sunday
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Day Ishiba Rejects Security Linkage in Tariff Talks

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Japan-US trade negotiations intensified as Prime Minister Ishiba explicitly rejected including security discussions in tariff talks with Trump, while still expressing hope these negotiations could become a global model. Japan continued considering revisions to car safety regulations as a potential concession.

Economists urged Japan to counter Trump's tariffs by leading TPP expansion, analyzing how the US-China trade war has affected markets differently, with the Dow dropping 10% while Shanghai slightly increased. The trade tensions have manufacturing sectors expressing anger at Trump, while Vietnam reportedly fears becoming caught in US-China rivalries.

Meanwhile, Japanese defense vessels made a historic first visit to a China-funded naval base in Cambodia, signaling complex regional positioning. In personal news, Shohei Ohtani announced the birth of his daughter, while domestic political developments saw the Constitutional Democratic Party planning quick decisions on consumption tax reduction.
21.04.2025
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Monday
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Day of Pope's Death and Tariff Negotiations

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Prime Minister Ishiba sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine while framing US-Japan tariff negotiations as a potential "world model," promising support for small businesses affected by tariffs. The yen weakened to 140 per dollar as markets reacted to these developments.

Former President Trump criticized Japanese car safety standards as "fraudulent" non-tariff barriers, while Tokyo insisted on keeping defense issues separate from trade talks. There were calls within the government to expand US rice imports as a potential concession.

Mid-morning brought news of Pope Francis's death at 88, with global leaders expressing condolences. He had appeared at Easter Mass just the day before.

By afternoon, financial markets tumbled with the Dow dropping 1,000 points following Trump's renewed demands for Fed interest rate cuts. Meanwhile, Chinese automaker BYD announced plans to enter Japan's mini EV market in 2026.
22.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Day of Yen Surge and Pope Mourning

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The yen strengthened dramatically, briefly reaching 139 per dollar, a seven-month high, as safe-haven flows shifted from "dollar selling" to "yen buying." This currency movement intensified discussions of a potential "Plaza Accord 2.0" amid Trump's pressure on the Federal Reserve for rate cuts.

Global and Japanese mourning for Pope Francis, who died from a stroke, dominated early headlines, with subsequent coverage explaining papal succession procedures.

US-Japan trade tensions continued with the new US envoy expressing optimism about tariff negotiations after meeting Japan's Prime Minister. The IMF cut its 2025 global growth forecast by 0.5 percentage points to 2.8%, citing trade war impacts.

Domestically, Prime Minister Ishiba announced a 10 yen per liter gasoline price reduction and ordered a review of the "single application" system for public high schools, while the agriculture minister apologized for persistently high rice prices.
23.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Day of Rice Imports Debate and Tariff Positioning

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US-Japan tariff negotiations remained central, with Prime Minister Ishiba emphasizing Japan's commitment to free trade while rejecting that Japan was in a "disadvantageous position" during initial talks. The debate over expanding rice imports intensified as farmers strongly opposed the proposal being considered as a potential US concession.

Ishiba participated in his first party leaders' debate, defending his government's positions on trade while opposition leaders criticized his handling of negotiations. Meanwhile, Trump's tariff demands on Japan and South Korea continued to dominate coverage.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange requested all listed companies lower minimum investment amounts to approximately 100,000 yen to attract younger investors. Market attention also focused on Chinese tech giants stockpiling Nvidia chips ahead of US export restrictions, and US Treasury Secretary Bessent's statement that America would not seek "currency targets" from Japan - suggesting a potential easing of currency tensions after yesterday's dramatic yen surge.
24.04.2025
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Thursday
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Day Nissan Records Historic Loss As Currency Negotiations Advance

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US Treasury Secretary Bessent's clarification that Japan wasn't being pressured for specific currency targets emerged as a key development in ongoing tariff negotiations, appearing in multiple morning reports. This stance represents a potential easing of tensions after the previous day's concerns about currency manipulation.

Nissan's announcement of a record 750 billion yen ($5 billion) loss dominated financial news, with the deficit far exceeding earlier projections of $560 million. The automaker's struggles are partly attributed to Trump's tariff policies and restructuring costs.

International events featured prominently with reports of a major attack on Kyiv killing nine people, while G20 finance ministers began meetings with significant divides over US tariff policies. NTT Data's global partnership with OpenAI to develop advanced AI agents for corporate services marked a significant Japanese technological development amid these geopolitical tensions.
25.04.2025
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Friday
•

Day of Toyota Industries' Privatization and Food Tax Elimination Plan

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US-Japan trade tensions continued with confirmation that no specific yen targets are being demanded by the US, a key development after days of currency concerns. The Japanese government doubled down on stimulus measures to counter Trump's tariffs and is considering expanding soybean and corn imports as a concession.

The Constitutional Democratic Party announced a major economic proposal, pledging to temporarily eliminate consumption tax on food items for one year as part of their Upper House election platform - positioning themselves as defenders of consumers amid inflation concerns.

In corporate news, Toyota Industries is weighing going private with a massive $35-40 billion fund backed by the Toyota Group, a restructuring move that would represent one of Japan's largest-ever take-private deals. Meanwhile, environmental concerns emerged with reports of PFAS levels exceeding government caps in nearly half of Japan's prefectures.
26.04.2025
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Saturday
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Day of Toyota Industries Privatization Plans and Trump's Trade Tactics

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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.
27.04.2025
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Sunday
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Day of University Hospitals Crisis and Dual-Use Shipbuilding Request

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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.
28.04.2025
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Monday
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Trump's Tariff Shadow Amid Military Spending Record Day

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Morning coverage revolved around Trump's economic policies approaching his first 100 days, with his suggestion that tariffs could eventually replace income taxes – an apparent bid to deflect criticism of his protectionist agenda that has cast shadows over upcoming Asian elections. Global military spending reached an unprecedented $2.72 trillion in 2024, rising 9.4% year-on-year according to multiple reports.

By midday, corporate governance dominated as Japanese shareholder activism hit record highs, with activist investor proposals surging particularly across Asia. Mitsubishi Corporation announced AI certification requirements for management promotions by 2027, eventually extending to all employees.

US-Japan automotive trade tensions continued with detailed analysis of why American cars remain scarce in Japanese markets, while the government considered expanding inspection exemptions for imported vehicles – potentially a concession amid ongoing trade negotiations with the Trump administration.
29.04.2025
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Tuesday
•

Day of Canadian Liberal Victory and Japan-Philippines Security Pact

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Canadian Prime Minister Carney's Liberal Party secured election victory on an explicitly anti-Trump platform, declaring the "old relationship with the U.S. 'over'" as reported throughout the morning. This continues the trend of trade tensions with the Trump administration affecting international politics.

Japan-Philippines security cooperation crystallized by midday, with both nations agreeing to begin formal talks on security pacts with China clearly in mind. This development follows Prime Minister Ishiba's Southeast Asian tour reported yesterday.

Economic concerns remained central, with Japan's Economic Security Minister planning a U.S. visit to discuss agricultural imports and auto inspections as trade negotiation leverage. Reports indicated Japan is considering cooperation in shipbuilding sectors to address U.S. demands, continuing the dual-use shipbuilding narrative from April 27th.

Forty percent of Japanese prefectures now offer financial aid related to U.S. tariffs according to a new poll, highlighting the deepening domestic impact of international trade tensions.
30.04.2025
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Wednesday
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US Contraction Day Amid Tariff Talks

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US-Japan trade tensions intensified as reports confirmed a second round of tariff negotiations would begin Thursday in Washington. Early morning coverage showed Trump's efforts to ease auto tariff burdens while touting his "100 days achievements." Japan's chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa departed for discussions as Prime Minister Ishiba sought bipartisan advice on handling Trump policies.

Business impact became clearer by midmorning with analysis showing varied consequences for Japanese automakers—Mazda and Mitsubishi facing difficulties while Honda might benefit. The Bank of Japan reportedly considered postponing interest rate hikes due to tariff impacts.

The day's most significant economic development came in the afternoon with reports that US GDP contracted by 0.3% in Q1 2025—the first negative growth in three years. This unexpected contraction followed strong performances in prior years and was attributed partly to anticipatory imports ahead of Trump's tariff implementation.
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