September
⌨
Japanese media prominently reported on China's assertive diplomatic and economic moves to counter US influence and the Western-led order. Early reports highlighted President Xi Jinping's announcement of an SCO Development Bank and opposition to "bullying," implicitly targeting the US, while a new Hong Kong stablecoin law was seen as challenging dollar dominance with a yuan-backed token. This narrative gained further momentum mid-morning, with President Xi and President Putin openly criticizing the West at a regional summit in China. Concurrently, reports indicated a decline in global market share for several Chinese companies due to US regulations and domestic demand issues, illustrating the economic impact of these tensions. Domestically, Japan continued to grapple with an unprecedented heat wave, with forecasts predicting its persistence into September, prompting ongoing discussions on urban cooling strategies. Separately, domestic political dynamics saw Prime Minister Ishiba's administration gain confidence amid rising support, alongside internal LDP discussions regarding an early presidential election.
⌨
Japanese media prominently covered the escalating political upheaval within the Liberal Democratic Party. Early morning reports indicated the party preparing for "radical reform" as its Secretary-General expressed intent to resign. By late morning, several key LDP executives collectively announced their resignations following recent Upper House election losses. Prime Minister Ishiba reportedly sought to retain some officials, facing headwinds as these departures challenged his administration. The political crisis deepened significantly in the afternoon, with LDP's Aso demanding an early presidential election, intensifying calls previously reported. Separately, Suntory HD Chairman Takeshi Niinami's resignation amid a police investigation into alleged illegal drug acquisition remained a prominent domestic corporate story throughout the day.
⌨
Japanese media extensively covered Takeshi Niinami's activities on this day. Following his previous resignation from Suntory Holdings, Niinami stepped back from his role at Keizai Doyukai, with a press conference held to clarify these developments. He consistently asserted his innocence regarding an ongoing police investigation related to supplements, maintaining he had broken no laws. This domestic story became a key editorial focus throughout the day, following initial reports.
Simultaneously, international reporting continued to prioritize China's military parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Anti-Japanese War victory. President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russian and North Korean leaders, delivered stark warnings, leading some media to frame this alignment as an 'unforgivable axis' with significant geopolitical implications. Later in the day, a new domestic economic development emerged: the government's estimated budget request reached a record high of 122.4 trillion yen.
Simultaneously, international reporting continued to prioritize China's military parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Anti-Japanese War victory. President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russian and North Korean leaders, delivered stark warnings, leading some media to frame this alignment as an 'unforgivable axis' with significant geopolitical implications. Later in the day, a new domestic economic development emerged: the government's estimated budget request reached a record high of 122.4 trillion yen.
⌨
The escalating political crisis within the Liberal Democratic Party intensified, with Prime Minister Ishiba facing growing pressure to resign amid further executive resignations. This development followed days of LDP leadership challenges and internal strife. Concurrently, Japanese media extensively covered the approach of Typhoon 15, issuing urgent heavy rain warnings for Kyushu and Shikoku throughout the day, with fears of landfall in Shikoku by early afternoon. Significant domestic economic news also emerged, including a nationwide minimum wage increase to an average of 1121 yen, exceeding targets in many prefectures. Separately, apartment rents in Tokyo's 23 wards remained a concern, while major credit card companies considered new fees for foreign visitors to offset rising costs.
⌨
The day saw a complex evolution of US-Japan economic relations as the primary editorial focus. Following President Trump's order reducing tariffs on Japanese auto imports, initial reports noted the positive impact on Japan's stock market. However, the narrative quickly shifted to potential downstream effects: 80% of Japanese auto parts companies indicated they would pass on costs, signaling a likely increase in car prices for US consumers. A new point of friction emerged with reports on Trump's selection of an 80 trillion yen investment destination, potentially leaving unresolved issues in a bilateral memorandum. Domestically, Typhoon 15 continued to be a significant concern, bringing heavy rains and damage to the Kanto region and Shizuoka, alongside reports of corporate restructuring and early retirements. The ongoing political challenges for Prime Minister Ishiba also received attention.
⌨
Japanese media on September 6 extensively reported Prince Hisahito's coming-of-age ceremony, with early reports focusing on his commitment to duties. However, editorial focus quickly shifted, with outlets emphasizing the looming imperial succession crisis within the imperial family. Concurrently, concerns persisted regarding US tariff policies, particularly their impact on small automakers and the unresolved nature of Japan's $550 billion investment pledge to the US, subject to President Trump's discretion. Domestically, political discussions gained momentum, centered on warnings against dissolving parliament for personal gain and growing support across prefectures for an earlier LDP presidential election. Separately, a major financial group proposed joint fund management to over 100 universities to address financial challenges.
⌨
Prime Minister Ishiba officially announced his resignation at a press conference, a decision that had been anticipated throughout the morning following earlier reports of his intent. This move was largely attributed to growing calls for an early Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, dissatisfaction within the LDP, and his acceptance of blame for the July election rout, continuing a political crisis building over recent days. Ishiba explicitly stated he would not seek re-election, immediately shifting media focus to the impending LDP leadership race, with Koizumi and Takaichi emerging as leading potential successors. While domestic politics dominated, earlier reports touched on China's economy, a US immigration raid on a Hyundai-LG plant, and "AI psychosis," with Russia's large-scale air attacks on Ukraine also appearing later.
⌨
The Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race intensified significantly on September 8th, following Prime Minister Ishiba's resignation. Early reports noted Koizumi and Takaichi as frontrunners, but the contest broadened as LDP heavyweight Motegi formally announced his entry, followed later by Hayashi Yoshimasa solidifying his intention to run. This succession battle, marked by discussions of a "full-spec" election and a proposed October 4th date, continued to dominate editorial attention, reflecting ongoing calls for leadership reform within the party. Concurrently, the Nikkei average surged to record highs, exceeding 43,800 yen, as markets reacted positively to expectations of an active fiscal policy from the incoming administration. Separately, Japan's Q2 GDP was revised upward to an annual rate of 2.2%, partially attributed to strong consumption.
⌨
The day in Japan commenced with widespread reports of the Nikkei 225 stock average reaching an unprecedented 44,000 yen, continuing the market's positive response to Prime Minister Ishiba's recent resignation. Concurrently, news emerged of a significant minimum wage hike, exceeding 1000 yen, influenced by rising food costs. As the day progressed, editorial attention increasingly focused on the impending Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election. Japanese media confirmed the official schedule, with the vote set for October 4th using a "full-spec" method. Separately, Toyota announced a strategic reorganization of its US production, consolidating Lexus operations and boosting hybrid output as a countermeasure against tariffs. Later reports highlighted internal LDP political dynamics, including Komeito's acknowledgment of a "party's survival crisis."
⌨
Japanese media continued to prioritize the evolving political succession within the Liberal Democratic Party. Motegi formally announced his candidacy for the presidential election in the morning, signaling his intent to pursue a new coalition framework. This followed earlier reports of former Prime Minister Kishida considering coalition expansion and the LDP affirming a "full-scale vote."
Regional security remained a dominant narrative. The deployment of high-tech U.S. missile systems to Japan amid China concerns was reported, and Japan initiated frigate export talks with the Philippines, underscoring strengthening security ties against shared regional anxieties. Concurrently, economic reporting highlighted the Nikkei Average reaching a new all-time high of 43,837 yen in the late morning, a prominent development.
Regional security remained a dominant narrative. The deployment of high-tech U.S. missile systems to Japan amid China concerns was reported, and Japan initiated frigate export talks with the Philippines, underscoring strengthening security ties against shared regional anxieties. Concurrently, economic reporting highlighted the Nikkei Average reaching a new all-time high of 43,837 yen in the late morning, a prominent development.
⌨
Japanese media on September 11th continued its focus on the Liberal Democratic Party's internal dynamics, with early reports indicating that public opinion might influence decisions on LDP slush fund indictments. This was followed by the announcement that Takayuki Kobayashi would run for party president, broadening the field in the leadership contest following Ishiba's resignation. Concurrently, the Tokyo stock market continued its record-breaking surge, exceeding 44,000 yen for the first time, largely driven by AI-related stocks including SoftBank Group. This economic performance occurred as discussions continued regarding Ishiba's resignation making a rate increase less likely. Later in the day, Prime Minister Ishiba instructed a thorough review of inflation countermeasures.
⌨
Japanese media on September 12 focused on the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election, with early reports indicating that Takayuki Kobayashi would run for party president, broadening the field in the leadership contest following Ishiba's resignation. By late morning, reports solidified a strong possibility of five candidates vying for leadership. This political development occurred alongside continued domestic concerns about health and the rising influence of the Sanseit
⌨
Japanese media on September 13 showed a prominent focus on the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election. Early reports indicated that candidates were targeting "Ishiba votes," a continuation of the political reshuffling seen in previous days following Ishiba's resignation. By the morning, Koizumi announced his intention to run for the LDP presidency, intensifying the competition and broadening the field of candidates. By midday, reports confirmed that five individuals were actively preparing for their presidential bids, underscoring the escalating leadership contest within the LDP. This political narrative developed alongside ongoing coverage of the US activist murder case and domestic weather warnings, with Hokkaido and Northern Kyushu bracing for heavy rain.
⌨
Japanese media on September 14 continued its intense focus on the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election. In the morning, political analysts noted the opposition's caution regarding an early dissolution of the House of Representatives amid the leadership contest. Later, by late morning, former Foreign Minister Motegi stated that even if he became prime minister, there would be no early dissolution. These political developments occurred alongside ongoing discussions regarding Japan's government investigating economic security risks concerning submarine cables, specifically addressing China-related concerns in the supply chain. By the afternoon, it was reported that four candidates were preparing to hold press conferences within the week to officially announce their bids for the LDP presidency.
⌨
Japanese media on September 15 continued its focus on the LDP leadership race, with early reports indicating a struggle for "Ishiba votes." By late morning, Koizumi and Takaichi were seen leading among party member votes. Concurrently, new developments included Google's 'AI mode' now available in Japanese for travel planning. A significant shift in the afternoon saw the US and China reaching a framework agreement on the sale of TikTok's US operations, a story confirmed across multiple sources. Additionally, the US reduction of tariffs on Japanese automobiles was reported, alongside ongoing discussions about lunar exploration robots and Turkey's naval exports.
⌨
September 16 saw Japanese media prioritizing the Nikkei 225, which surpassed 45,000 yen for the first time ever in early morning trading, driven by semiconductor stocks. This economic development continued to be a major focus throughout the day, as the index maintained its historic level.
Concurrently, the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election gained momentum, with Yoshimasa Hayashi announcing his candidacy and a "rush of candidates" emerging by late morning, intensifying the political contest that has been a consistent focus in recent days. Separately, nationwide average land prices increased for the fourth consecutive year, and discussions continued on Israel's ground invasion of Gaza City.
Concurrently, the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election gained momentum, with Yoshimasa Hayashi announcing his candidacy and a "rush of candidates" emerging by late morning, intensifying the political contest that has been a consistent focus in recent days. Separately, nationwide average land prices increased for the fourth consecutive year, and discussions continued on Israel's ground invasion of Gaza City.
⌨
Japanese media on September 17 continued its intense focus on Israel's ground assault on Gaza City, with Yahoo News Japan reporting a rapid increase in casualties in the early hours. By late morning, Yahoo News Japan indicated that the Japanese government planned to postpone the recognition of a Palestinian state, a significant development in the ongoing regional conflict. Later in the afternoon, Yahoo News Japan further highlighted the intensification of Israel's attacks on Gaza City.
Domestically, Nikkei Shimbun reported on new rules to attract overseas investment into Japanese startups. Other stories included challenges faced by young Japanese men regarding paternity leave (Nikkei Shimbun) and wealthy foreign nationals purchasing Tokyo condos (The Japan Times).
Domestically, Nikkei Shimbun reported on new rules to attract overseas investment into Japanese startups. Other stories included challenges faced by young Japanese men regarding paternity leave (Nikkei Shimbun) and wealthy foreign nationals purchasing Tokyo condos (The Japan Times).
⌨
Japanese media on September 18 prominently featured the US Federal Reserve's rate cut, with the Nikkei 225 briefly hitting a record. The LDP leadership race intensified as Sanae Takaichi and Yoshimasa Hayashi announced their bids. By late morning, the Nikkei 225 surpassed 45,000 yen for the first time, becoming a major economic highlight. In the afternoon, NVIDIA's 740 billion yen investment in Intel for joint semiconductor development emerged as a significant new story. Additionally, reports continued on the LDP leadership contest, with Kono Taro backing Koizumi.
⌨
Japanese media on September 19 heavily focused on the Bank of Japan's decision to maintain interest rates while initiating the sale of its ETF and J-REIT holdings. Early reports from Nikkei Shimbun and Yahoo News Japan confirmed this move. By late morning, BOJ Governor Ueda elaborated on the long timeline for these sales, suggesting it could take over a century, a detail widely covered by Nikkei Shimbun, The Japan Times, and Yahoo News Japan. This decision led to a temporary dip in the stock market, with the Nikkei 225 briefly falling below 45,000 yen. Separately, the LDP leadership race continued, with Sanae Takaichi outlining her policies and considering an expanded coalition framework.
⌨
Japanese media on September 20 extensively covered Koizumi's bid for the LDP presidency. Early reports focused on his press conference announcing his candidacy (Yahoo News Japan), with later coverage highlighting his commitment to economic growth and wage increases as top priorities (The Japan Times, Yahoo News Japan). The day also saw renewed attention on the Trump administration's intervention in US Steel management, with the Nikkei Shimbun detailing how the "golden share" thwarted Nippon Steel's acquisition (Nikkei Shimbun). This story was accompanied by criticism of the Trump administration from a former Disney CEO (Huffington Post Japan). By the afternoon, discussions around medical fee revisions began to intensify (Yahoo News Japan), and a potential large-scale return of Ukrainian war dead, and Russia's motives, were also reported.
⌨
Japanese media on September 21 began with a focus on religious abuse claims by the Yamagami defendant, with a continued emphasis on Trump and Xi Jinping's diplomatic efforts and the social cost of dementia care in the US. Early morning reports questioned the Bank of Japan's potential interest rate hike, despite two policy board members advocating for it.
By mid-morning, attention shifted to the impact of forex swings 40 years after the Plaza Accord and former Prime Minister Koizumi's implication he might appoint politicians involved in 'slush fund' scandals to key positions. Later, Japanese restaurant chains like Saizeriya and Sushiro were reported to be expanding in China, targeting the country's deflationary trend, while Koizumi denied an early dissolution of the House of Representatives.
The afternoon saw Britain's formal recognition of a Palestinian state emerge as a new development, along with continued coverage of the economic impact of forex swings and the expansion of Japanese restaurant chains in China. Separately, carbon dioxide uptake in formerly colder regions was noted as not having halted global warming.
By mid-morning, attention shifted to the impact of forex swings 40 years after the Plaza Accord and former Prime Minister Koizumi's implication he might appoint politicians involved in 'slush fund' scandals to key positions. Later, Japanese restaurant chains like Saizeriya and Sushiro were reported to be expanding in China, targeting the country's deflationary trend, while Koizumi denied an early dissolution of the House of Representatives.
The afternoon saw Britain's formal recognition of a Palestinian state emerge as a new development, along with continued coverage of the economic impact of forex swings and the expansion of Japanese restaurant chains in China. Separately, carbon dioxide uptake in formerly colder regions was noted as not having halted global warming.
⌨
Japanese media extensively covered the kickoff of the LDP presidential election on September 22. Early reports highlighted the registration of five candidates, with debates focusing on inflation and party reforms (Nikkei Shimbun, Yahoo News Japan). The Japan Times noted the mix of youth and experience among candidates. Throughout the day, further coverage emphasized candidates' resolve and the need to discuss Japan's global position (Nikkei Shimbun, Yahoo News Japan). Separately, the Nikkei average reached a new record high of 45,493 yen (Nikkei Shimbun), and Latvia approached Japan to join its "drone coalition" to support Ukraine (Nikkei Shimbun).
⌨
Japanese media on September 23 continued its extensive coverage of the LDP presidential election, with candidates holding a joint press conference and later focusing on reform (Yahoo News Japan, The Japan Times). Early reports also highlighted the resurgence of the yen carry trade, accelerating the yen's depreciation against various currencies, with political uncertainty cited as a factor (Nikkei Shimbun). This depreciation continued throughout the day, with one candidate even condoning an increase in deficit bond issuance (Yahoo News Japan). Separately, an unmanned aircraft was shot down in central Moscow (Yahoo News Japan), and ASEAN explored cooperation with CPTPP amid trade uncertainties (Nikkei Asia).
⌨
Japanese media on September 24 continued to focus on Donald Trump's shifting stance regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with early reports noting his preference for a "spheres of influence" approach with China, followed by later headlines highlighting fears of disengagement (The Japan Times, Yahoo News Japan). Concurrently, the LDP presidential election remained a central theme, with public debates focusing on economic policies and inflation measures (Nikkei Shimbun, Yahoo News Japan). Separately, the Nikkei stock market reached new highs, driven by SoftBank Group's investments (Nikkei Shimbun). Meanwhile, Russia faces deepening fuel shortages (Yahoo News Japan), and a typhoon caused deaths and disappearances in Taiwan (Yahoo News Japan).
⌨
Japanese media on September 25 extensively covered the Nikkei stock average reaching a new high for the third consecutive day in the morning, putting pressure on short sellers (Nikkei Shimbun, Yahoo News Japan). In parallel, discussions continued regarding the potential for a Lower House dissolution following the LDP's leadership vote, a theme observed over previous days (The Japan Times). Later in the day, SoftBank Group became the second-largest company by market capitalization in Japan, with Masayoshi Son highlighting AI's transformative impact on automobiles during a test drive of an autonomous vehicle (Nikkei Shimbun). Other reports noted the opposition's focus on the LDP presidential election and potential coalition expansion (Yahoo News Japan).
⌨
Japanese media on September 26 extensively focused on US President Trump's announcement of 100% tariffs on imported brand-name pharmaceuticals starting October 1, with exemptions for domestic factory construction (Nikkei Shimbun, Yahoo News Japan). This development quickly prompted discussions about its negative impact on Asian drugmakers (Nikkei Asia) and spurred questions regarding Japan's potential exemption, with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry awaiting details (The Japan Times, Yahoo News Japan). The LDP's leadership vote and a potential Lower House election, a recurring theme from previous days, also continued to be reported (The Japan Times, Yahoo News Japan).
⌨
On September 27, Japanese media continued to detail the broadening impact of US President Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs, with reports from Nikkei Shimbun in the late morning highlighting that these tariffs now affect approximately 720 "derivative products," including construction machinery and tableware, expanding beyond initial expectations. Earlier in the day, the ongoing LDP leadership election maintained its prominence, with discussions focusing on the candidates' approaches to economic policy and social security, as reported by Yahoo News Japan. Separately, the investigation into stock account hijacking, possibly via household TV receivers, remained a recurring topic in the news.
⌨
Japanese media on September 28 continued its extensive focus on the LDP leadership election. Morning reports highlighted the National Police Agency's admission of a "mistranslation" regarding racial profiling (Huffington Post Japan), alongside discussions on defense spending and a lack of funding debate (Yahoo News Japan). By late morning, attention shifted to the increasing demand for non-nursing care services, which is making the "20 million yen for old age" insufficient (Nikkei Shimbun). Early afternoon coverage emphasized the candidates' alignments and disagreements on defense and foreign policy (The Japan Times). Later, new polls indicated Sanae Takaichi leading the LDP leadership race, with Koizumi and Hayashi following (Nikkei Shimbun, Yahoo News Japan).
⌨
Japanese media on September 29 began by reporting gold prices reaching 20,000 yen per gram (Nikkei Shimbun) and a Supreme Court ruling declaring the sterilization requirement for gender change unconstitutional (Huffington Post Japan). Later, the investigation into accounting fraud at AI startup Alt Inc. was reported (Nikkei Shimbun). The focus shifted to the LDP presidential election, with warnings issued to officials regarding the incitement of conflict. This follows previous days' coverage of candidate alignments and increasing tensions within the LDP, marking a continued emphasis on political developments and their internal dynamics. Economists' push for benefit-linked tax credits and ongoing warm weather in October also received attention.
⌨
Japanese media began the day with attention on the suspected resale of duty-free goods and former Upper House member Akira Ishii's indictment. By early morning, the focus shifted to the resignation of Takafumi Ninami, former Keizai Doyukai representative and Suntory Holdings chairman, following a police investigation, dominating headlines from multiple sources. Concurrently, Koizumi's calls for reform were noted to have softened. Midday reports highlighted Masahiro Tanaka's 200th career win. The day concluded with increasing coverage of autumn's rising consumer prices. Throughout the day, discussions around foreign worker acceptance and China's 'super golden week' to boost consumption also featured.
Live Headlines From
Japan