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Chinese and Korean automakers are making inroads into the Japanese EV market, with BYD unveiling the Sealion 7 SUV and Hyundai showcasing the compact EV Inster at the Tokyo Auto Salon. Despite their relatively low market share, both companies are making significant strides globally, suggesting a potential shift in the dynamics of the Japanese market.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is facing criticism for giving gift certificates to 15 rookie lawmakers, with opposition leaders demanding he explain his actions and ruling coalition members expressing concerns about the violation of political funding laws. The controversy has further damaged the image of the LDP and could impact the Upper House deliberations on the budget.

Land prices in Tokyo rose for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, with an average increase of 7.3% driven by high demand for condominiums and increased foreign visitors. The 23 wards in central Tokyo saw the most significant increase, while commercial land prices also saw a double-digit rise for the first time since 2008.

Trade Minister Yoji Muto's visit to Washington failed to secure assurances from the U.S. administration that Japan would be exempt from the planned tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Despite emphasizing Japan's contributions to the U.S. economy, Muto was unable to obtain a definitive answer on the exemptions and will continue to advocate for Japan's position in future discussions.

Nissan Motor Corp. tested self-driving cars on city roads in Yokohama, Japan, aiming to develop transportation services using autonomous driving technologies within three years. The experiment involved a modified Serena minivan equipped with cameras, radar, and computers, driven at Level 2 with remote assistance and a safety assistant onboard.