October
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Japanese media began the day reporting an improved business mood among large manufacturers, marking a second consecutive quarter of gains. By early morning, a significant editorial focus shifted to the partial shutdown of the US government due to budget disputes, the first since 2019, with headlines noting the impact on 750,000 workers. Concurrently, domestic attention remained on the ongoing LDP presidential race, with Koizumi and Takaichi consistently leading in polls, and discussions around the selection of a new prime minister. The return of Money Market Funds in Japan after a nine-year absence, driven by rising interest rates, also emerged as a new financial story.
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Japanese media on October 2 focused on the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, with early reports noting low-key discussions on selective separate surnames for married couples. By early morning, the narrative shifted to the LDP facing a potential crumbling, with concerns over the Unification Church's influence on the Abe assassination trial. Midday reports described the LDP presidential election as a "three-way" contest, with further discontent reported over absences from speech meetings. This continued focus on internal LDP dynamics follows previous days' coverage of candidate alignments and increasing tensions. Concurrently, Hitachi and OpenAI announced a partnership on data center power and AI development.
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Japanese media on October 3 continued its intense focus on the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, with early reports from Yahoo News Japan indicating a likely run-off vote. This political dynamic persisted throughout the day, with later reports actively analyzing the unfolding scenario of a run-off. Separately, the controversial resignation of Suntory Holdings chairman continued to be a topic of discussion in the Nikkei Shimbun, alongside growing concerns over OpenAI's Sora AI generating copyrighted content. By midday, Japanese government plans to subsidize businesses utilizing renewable and nuclear energy were also reported, aiming to attract investment near power plants. Concurrently, Asia's wooden furniture industry began to grapple with new U.S. tariffs, according to Nikkei Asia.
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Japanese media intensely focused on the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election. Early reports clarified the run-off vote process, with discussions on the divided party and undefined diplomatic strategies. By morning, vote casting and counting began, culminating in the confirmation that Takaichi and Koizumi would proceed to a run-off vote. Later, Sanae Takaichi was declared the winner of the LDP leadership election, poised to become Japan's first female Prime Minister. Her subsequent press conference highlighted a focus on inflation measures and an intent to expand the coalition government. Market concerns emerged regarding a potential yen depreciation under her leadership, and opposition parties began scrutinizing her over slush funds.
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Japanese media continued its strong focus on Sanae Takaichi's LDP presidency, shifting to her cabinet-forming process. Morning reports from Yahoo News Japan indicated Israel-Hamas negotiations, which then evolved into coverage of renewed Gaza airstrikes despite announced halts, alongside Kim Jong Un's continued weapons development. Concurrently, discussions on Takaichi's "active fiscal policy" persisted in the Nikkei Shimbun, with The Japan Times detailing her leadership race victory. By midday, Takaichi's internal party appointments took center stage, with Yahoo News Japan reporting her intention to appoint Shunichi Suzuki as Secretary-General, a move confirmed later by the Nikkei Shimbun, which also noted Taro Aso's potential appointment as Vice President. Public approval for Takaichi's leadership also emerged.
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Japanese media initially continued its intense focus on Sanae Takaichi's LDP leadership, with the Nikkei Stock Average surging past 47,000 and then 48,000 yen for the first time, driven by expectations for her pro-stimulus economic policies. Reports highlighted investor bets on defense, nuclear fusion, and space sectors. Concurrently, discussions continued on her cabinet formation, with Suzuki eyed for Secretary-General. In the mid-morning, editorial focus decisively shifted to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, awarded to Shimon Sakaguchi for his discovery of immune-regulating T cells, dominating headlines through the early afternoon. Political appointments, including those involving Taro Aso's influence, remained a secondary focus.
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Japanese media continued its heavy focus on Sanae Takaichi's LDP leadership, with concerns from Komeito and Soka Gakkai emerging in the early morning regarding her conservative stance and its potential to destabilize the coalition government. Reports also highlighted her cabinet appointments favoring Aso and allies, leading to divisions within the party. Through the late morning and early afternoon, Nikkei Shimbun emphasized the resulting "party internal government change" and its impact on cohesion, suggesting these internal dynamics were casting a shadow on coalition talks. Separately, a Japanese immunologist received a Nobel Prize, and Yahoo News Japan reported on new childcare policies allowing limited access to nurseries.
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Japanese media's editorial focus initially highlighted SoftBank Group's acquisition of ABB's robot business for 800 billion yen and Argentina's economic relations, balancing Chinese soybean purchases with US financial offers. Domestic concerns about typhoon preparedness also persisted. In the mid-morning, editorial attention decisively shifted to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, with Susumu Kitagawa among the three winners for his work on metal-organic frameworks useful for decarbonization, a story that dominated headlines through the early afternoon. Concurrently, typhoon warnings for high winds and waves continued to be issued.
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Japanese media outlets primarily focused on the Gaza conflict throughout the day, with The Japan Times and Huffington Post Japan reporting early on President Trump's announcement of a Phase 1 ceasefire agreement and a hostage deal. By mid-morning, The Japan Times reiterated that Israeli hostages might be released within days, and Trump later stated a deal was "very close," with potential travel to the Middle East.
Concurrently, domestic political developments gained traction in the late morning and early afternoon, with The Japan Times highlighting shaky ties between the LDP and Komeito, casting doubt on Sanae Takaichi's prime ministerial prospects. Yahoo News Japan reported on discussions within the LDP regarding the post-war 80th anniversary statement and the appointment of Ono as the new LDP tax committee chairman, with the Komeito party entrusting its representatives with decisions concerning the coalition.
Concurrently, domestic political developments gained traction in the late morning and early afternoon, with The Japan Times highlighting shaky ties between the LDP and Komeito, casting doubt on Sanae Takaichi's prime ministerial prospects. Yahoo News Japan reported on discussions within the LDP regarding the post-war 80th anniversary statement and the appointment of Ono as the new LDP tax committee chairman, with the Komeito party entrusting its representatives with decisions concerning the coalition.
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Japanese media's editorial focus was overwhelmingly on the Komeito party's withdrawal from its coalition with the LDP. Early reports from Yahoo News Japan indicated LDP-Komeito leaders would meet to discuss the potential split. Nikkei Shimbun highlighted Komeito's hardline stance, particularly on corporate donations, as a point of contention. By late morning, Komeito formally announced its withdrawal, conveying the decision to LDP President Sanae Takaichi (The Japan Times, Nikkei Shimbun, Nikkei Asia, Yahoo News Japan). This move, ending a 26-year partnership, was described as complicating Takaichi's prime ministerial bid and led to speculation about a potential change in government. Prime Minister Ishiba's post-war 80th-year statement also received coverage, but Komeito's departure dominated the editorial landscape.
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Japanese media on October 11 continued to focus on the political fallout from the Komeito party's withdrawal from the ruling coalition, with early reports from Nikkei Shimbun highlighting intensified maneuvering for prime ministerial candidates like Takaichi or Tamaki ahead of the Diet session. By late morning, Yahoo News Japan indicated Komeito was considering partial withdrawal from single-member constituencies, and LDP members expressed concerns about upcoming elections. Concurrently, President Trump's escalating trade war with China, with new tariffs and export controls, received attention, alongside warnings from former U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns against an "America First" approach. Typhoon 23 also posed threats to the Amami and Izu Islands throughout the day.
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Japanese media on October 12 continued to focus heavily on the political fallout from the LDP-Komeito coalition breakup. Early reports from Yahoo News Japan highlighted the coalition's explicit end and underlying reasons. Attention later in the morning shifted to the broader political landscape, with Yahoo News Japan reporting intensified maneuvering around prime ministerial nominations, including Ishin's Fujita. By midday, Nikkei Shimbun indicated that Komeito was considering a partial withdrawal from single-member constituencies and was not ruling out electoral cooperation with opposition parties. This development signifies a tangible shift in Komeito's post-coalition strategy, with potential implications for upcoming elections. Concurrently, President Trump's trade war with China, specifically tariffs and rare-earth controls, remained a recurring international news item, along with domestic concerns about a typhoon approaching the Izu Islands and challenges to Japan's culinary industry.
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Japanese media on October 13 predominantly focused on the Middle East, specifically the commencement of hostage releases by Hamas. Early reports from Nikkei Shimbun and Yahoo News Japan detailed the initial releases, two years after the Israeli raid. As the day progressed, The Japan Times and Nikkei Shimbun confirmed Hamas began handing over hostages as part of a ceasefire deal, with President Trump visiting Israel. By late morning and early afternoon, Nikkei Shimbun and Yahoo News Japan reported the release of 20 surviving hostages, with President Trump delivering a speech in Israel and proclaiming a "new dawn for the Middle East." Concurrently, domestic political discussions continued regarding Komeito's potential full transition into an opposition party and active movements towards a unified opposition for prime ministerial nomination, building on the political shifts of previous days. Separately, Tata Capital's stock market debut and a survey on gender inequality among high school students also received coverage.
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Japanese media extensively covered significant political instability and its immediate economic consequences. Early reports highlighted continued negotiations between the US and Ukraine regarding Tomahawk missile provision (Yahoo News Japan), alongside President Trump's engagements in Egypt (The Japan Times). However, the focus quickly shifted to domestic politics, with the Nikkei Shimbun reporting a substantial stock market decline, plummeting by 1500 yen at one point, attributed to the LDP-Komeito coalition collapse and renewed US-China trade friction. Later in the morning, the proposed October 21st special Diet session, including a prime ministerial designation election, gained prominence, with discussions about a potential opposition candidate (The Japan Times, Yahoo News Japan). By the afternoon, Takaichi's apology for Komeito's departure and internal LDP dissatisfaction regarding her approach were also highlighted (Yahoo News Japan, Nikkei Shimbun).
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Japanese media on October 15 continued its intense focus on political maneuvering. The early morning saw reports of Hino Motors' financial restructuring and the ongoing political reshuffling, with new discussions highlighting leadership challenges in a multi-party era. By late morning, headlines indicated that Takaichi would individually meet with three opposition party leaders, intensifying discussions around a potential opposition prime minister. The afternoon brought reports of LDP President Takaichi meeting with DPFP leader Tamaki to request cooperation for the prime ministerial designation, though opposition parties struggled to agree on basic policies. Later in the day, the LDP and Nippon Ishin no Kai were reported to be in talks regarding a coalition, potentially bringing Takaichi closer to the Prime Minister position, a significant development in the post-coalition political landscape.
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Japanese media on October 16 continued its intense focus on domestic political maneuvering, specifically around coalition talks. Early reports from Yahoo News Japan indicated discussions were intensifying regarding a potential Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Nippon Ishin no Kai coalition. Later in the morning, The Japan Times and Yahoo News Japan confirmed that LDP and Ishin were fine-tuning a deal but remained at an impasse, necessitating further talks. By early afternoon, Nikkei Shimbun reported that Ishin had formally demanded 12 items for a coalition with the LDP, including reducing Diet members and lowering the consumption tax rate, thereby setting concrete terms for negotiations. Simultaneously, LDP's Aso held talks with minority parties concerning the prime ministerial nomination.
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Japanese media on October 17 intensely focused on domestic political developments. Early reports indicated Nippon Ishin no Kai leader Yoshimura had explicitly stated a reduction in Diet members as an absolute condition for a coalition with the LDP. By late morning, the media prominently reported significant progress in coalition talks between the LDP and Nippon Ishin, with Ishin's demand for Diet member cuts accepted by the LDP. Early afternoon reports continued to highlight this progress, with Takaichi now likely to be chosen as Prime Minister. Throughout the day, stories also covered the passing of former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama at 101.
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Japanese media on October 18 continued its intense focus on the LDP-Nippon Ishin coalition talks, which had been a prominent theme in previous days. Early reports indicated concerns within the LDP's Osaka chapter regarding the coalition, while Ishin initially favored external cooperation over cabinet positions. By late morning, reports confirmed that Ishin's Endo Kei was to be appointed as Prime Minister's Assistant, signaling deepening cooperation. The day culminated with reports that the LDP and Ishin were expected to sign a coalition government agreement, marking a significant development following the previous day's progress in talks and the acceptance of Ishin's key demands.
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Japanese media on October 19 continued its intense focus on domestic politics, with early reports from Yahoo News Japan indicating the Gaikan Expressway tunnel construction faced delays and concerns were raised about aging retaining walls. By morning, a major development emerged with Kyodo reports, picked up by The Japan Times, confirming the LDP and Nippon Ishin no Kai would form a coalition government.
Throughout the day, further reports from The Japan Times and Nikkei Shimbun solidified this news, detailing that Ishin had entrusted its leaders to finalize the coalition talks. Discussions continued to center on political reforms, building on previous days' negotiations.
Throughout the day, further reports from The Japan Times and Nikkei Shimbun solidified this news, detailing that Ishin had entrusted its leaders to finalize the coalition talks. Discussions continued to center on political reforms, building on previous days' negotiations.
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Japanese media extensively covered the formal agreement for a coalition government between the LDP and Nippon Ishin no Kai, solidifying Takaichi Sanae's path to becoming Prime Minister. This political development, a continuation of previous days' negotiations, was credited with the Nikkei Stock Average hitting new intraday and closing highs throughout the day. By the morning, reports indicated Takaichi's premiership was all but certain for inauguration the following day. Discussions also included a proposed 10% reduction in House of Representatives seats, an earlier demand from Ishin. Late afternoon reports detailed cabinet appointments, including Motegi Toshimitsu as Foreign Minister. Early reports also mentioned the US President urging Ukraine to cede territory, a claim later denied by Donald Trump.
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Japanese media extensively covered the political transition as the Ishiba cabinet resigned, marking the end of a 386-day tenure. Early morning reports detailed Sanae Takaichi's anticipated inauguration as Japan's first female prime minister, discussing the mechanisms of the prime ministerial election and her potential historical significance. By late morning, Takaichi was officially elected as the 104th Prime Minister. The Nikkei average approached 50,000, attributed to "Sanaenomics" and foreign investor confidence. Later in the day, the cabinet list for the new administration was announced, and Prime Minister Takaichi held her inaugural press conference, denying an early dissolution of the House of Representatives and emphasizing a "cabinet of decision and progress."
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Japanese media continued to focus heavily on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's new administration. Morning reports detailed the formal launch of her cabinet and her commitment to swift action, with discussions on her proposed national council for social security to debate benefits and burdens. Concurrently, shipbuilding companies announced significant investments to double capacity, aligning with US-Japan cooperation. Mid-morning saw The Japan Times report on Takaichi's "eclectic trio" for key cabinet posts, and later in the day, a joint survey revealed a 64.4% approval rating for the Takaichi cabinet. Early reports also mentioned a North Korean missile launch, which caused no damage in Japan.
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Japanese media extensively focused on Prime Minister Takaichi's administration. Early reports emphasized the year-end results as a crucial test for her cabinet and noted increased support among younger generations. This built on previous discussions of her potential long-term governance through a coalition with Ishin. Mid-morning coverage highlighted Takaichi's intent to prioritize defense spending to meet Trump's demands, with Komeito expressing concerns about the coalition agreement. Concurrently, six opposition parties called for a gasoline tax reduction by year-end. Separately, credit unions faced significant unrealized losses from government bonds due to rising interest rates, while Rengo maintained its 5% wage hike target for 2026.
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Japanese media prominently featured Prime Minister Takaichi's administration. Early reports noted challenges in scheduling the extraordinary Diet session, alongside ongoing discussions about her diplomatic approach to President Trump and the historical context of female prime ministers. A significant development was the controversial appointment of two politicians involved in a slush fund scandal to key party positions. The core focus, however, was Takaichi's first policy speech, emphasizing a "strong economy," fiscal stimulus, and a commitment to boosting defense spending to 2% of GDP by March. Parties reacted, with Komeito expressing concerns, while Russia welcomed her peace treaty policy, and China offered a rebuttal to her vision.
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Japanese media extensively covered Prime Minister Takaichi's diplomatic activities throughout the day. Morning reports focused on her upcoming diplomatic debut at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia and the intensifying US-China power struggle in Asia, as President Trump began his regional visit. By mid-morning, attention shifted to Takaichi's "realistic approach" to foreign policy, emphasizing South Korea cooperation and avoiding historical friction with China, alongside expectations from the US President for building a relationship with her. The afternoon brought the significant development of Takaichi's initial phone call with US President Trump, marking a key step in her administration's international engagements.
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Japanese media continued to prioritize Prime Minister Takaichi's diplomatic engagements. Morning reports focused on her phone call with US President Trump, where strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance was a top priority. Concurrently, Nikkei Shimbun analyzed the key bureaucrats supporting her administration, highlighting their shared experience. In a significant international development, Thailand and Cambodia signed a Trump-brokered peace deal in Malaysia during the ASEAN summit, with East Timor formally joining ASEAN. Domestically, Prime Minister Takaichi's administration received strong public support, with Nikkei Shimbun and Mainichi polls showing her approval rating at 74% and 65% respectively, a notable increase.
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Japanese media extensively highlighted the Nikkei Stock Average surpassing 50,000 yen for the first time throughout the day, driven by high cabinet approval for Prime Minister Takaichi, eased US-China trade tensions, and expectations for her economic policies. This represented a significant increase of 10,000 yen in 19 months, attracting both optimism and caution. Concurrently, US President Trump arrived in Japan for security and trade talks with Takaichi, marking a key diplomatic engagement for her administration. By early afternoon, reports detailed Japan's $550 billion investment package targeting US infrastructure, with a substantial portion allocated to energy development.
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Japanese media extensively covered the summit between Prime Minister Takaichi and US President Trump throughout the day. Early reports focused on the commencement of their talks and Takaichi's expression of a desire to create a "new golden age" for the Japan-US alliance. This sentiment was echoed in later coverage, with both leaders touting the strengthened alliance. Separately, news outlets reported on the Abe shooting suspect, Yamagami, pleading guilty to murder in the morning, with prosecutors highlighting a "strong resentment" as a motive. By midday, Takaichi and Trump were reported to have boarded a US aircraft carrier, underscoring a commitment to bolstering Japan's defense capabilities. The Takaichi administration also saw high approval ratings, and Japanese companies expressed interest in substantial investments in US AI and power infrastructure.
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Japanese media outlets prominently featured the Nikkei Stock Average surging past 51,000 yen in the morning, hitting a new record high of 51,307 yen by the afternoon. This continued the upward trend observed in previous days. Concurrently, US-Japan alliance cooperation remained a focus, though some outlets noted a lack of clear strategy. Prime Minister Takaichi's upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping on the 31st was also being arranged. Additionally, the estimated cost for the Chuo Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Nagoya saw a significant increase of 4 trillion yen, reaching 11 trillion yen, with no clear opening date. Later in the day, an agreement between the US and South Korea on a trade deal at the APEC summit was reported, alongside an agreement by political parties to make high school education free from 2026.
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Japanese media extensively covered President Trump's efforts to de-escalate trade tensions with China's Xi Jinping, with reports in the early morning about discussions on tariffs and rare earth export regulations. By late morning, it was confirmed that Trump had cut fentanyl-linked tariffs by 10% after China promised to address the issue, and China delayed rare-earth export controls. This followed earlier reports of a Fed interest rate cut and the Bank of Japan maintaining its 0.5% policy rate. Separately, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae held her first summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, with reports emerging from late morning into the afternoon that they agreed to continue "shuttle diplomacy."
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Japanese media extensively covered the first meeting between Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the late morning and early afternoon, various outlets reported both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to "mutually beneficial" or "constructive" ties, prioritizing dialogue channels amidst global instability. By mid-afternoon, Yahoo News Japan noted a brief handshake with no conversation. Separately, the Nikkei Stock Average continued its upward trend, surpassing 52,000 yen in the early morning, an ongoing story from previous days. Also, Nikkei Shimbun reported the Japan Fair Trade Commission urged Toyota to improve practices regarding subcontracting laws.