News

The US stock market experienced a volatile session on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.5% despite concerns over President Donald Trump's trade war and its potential impact on the economy. The inflation report provided some relief, boosting AI stocks and Tesla, but the overall market sentiment remained cautious due to the ongoing trade tensions.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba apologized for giving gift certificates to newly elected lawmakers, sparking criticism from opposition parties who questioned the legality and ethics of the gesture. The controversy threatens to delay the passage of the fiscal 2025 budget as the opposition demands further explanation and accountability from Ishiba.

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture plans to export 350,000 tons of rice by 2030 to address domestic shortages caused by declining acreage and over-curbing of production. This initiative aims to position exported rice as an "adjustment valve" for the domestic market during shortages, while also promoting exports and reducing production costs.

A group of researchers were granted rare access to the Daisen kofun, a keyhole-shaped imperial burial mound dating back to the fifth century, for the first time since World War II. This unprecedented opportunity allowed them to explore the structure and uncover new details about its construction and history.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba affirmed that Japan's defense budget is a matter of national sovereignty, rejecting calls from the US to increase spending. Japan has already doubled its defense budget to 2% of GDP and prioritizes the quality of its capabilities over meeting a specific spending target.