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Opposition leaders in Japan are demanding that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba explain his decision to give gift certificates to 15 rookie lawmakers, as they believe it may have violated the Political Fund Control Law. The controversy has further damaged the image of the LDP and created divisions within the party, with some members calling for Ishiba to take responsibility for his actions.

Asian markets displayed a mixed performance on Friday, with Chinese markets experiencing their second consecutive day of decline and Japan's Nikkei 225 index edging up. This mixed performance came amidst a retreat on Wall Street, which was attributed to uncertainties surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's policies.

U.S. stocks rebounded on Monday, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both rising, despite ongoing concerns about President Trump's trade war and the possibility of a recession. The Federal Reserve is set to make a decision on interest rates later this week, with investors closely watching for any signals about the future direction of monetary policy.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hosted a private dinner for 15 first-time ruling party lawmakers, offering advice and encouragement while sparking controversy with 100,000 yen gift certificates. The event served as an opportunity for the new members to connect with the Prime Minister and receive guidance as they embark on their political careers.

The Japanese government has approved a bill introducing tougher regulations on artificial intelligence, aiming to curtail harmful applications while promoting responsible development and utilization. This move signifies a shift from self-regulation to government oversight, aligning with the global trend of regulating AI to mitigate potential risks.