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Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hosted a private dinner for 15 first-time ruling party lawmakers, offering advice and encouragement while facing criticism for providing gift certificates. The dinner, attended by senior government officials and featuring regional specialties, served as an opportunity for Ishiba to connect with new members and discuss political strategies.

Demand for Japanese bonds surged to a two-year high in the week ending March 15th, 2013, as investors sought safe havens amidst growing concerns over the potential economic impact of changes in U.S. tariff policies and a broad selloff in global equities. This surge in demand was driven by the perceived safety and stability of Japanese assets during periods of global uncertainty.

A study by JAMSTEC, the University of Tokyo, and Hokkaido University found that climate change is causing an increase in endangered Japanese eel larvae reaching rivers in Hokkaido. This northward shift of the warm Kuroshio Current presents both opportunities and challenges for the struggling eel industry and conservation efforts.

Japan and Britain, the world's fourth and sixth largest economies, pledged to promote free and open international trade at their first "two-plus-two" dialogue on the economy, held in Tokyo amid growing concern about U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats. The ministers also confirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration on WTO reforms and supporting the clean energy transition in developing countries.

Defense ministers from Japan and the United States will attend a memorial service together on Iwo Jima for the first time, marking 80 years since the end of World War II and symbolizing the strength of the two nations' alliance. The event underscores the transformation of the relationship between the former adversaries, who now stand together as cornerstones of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.