News

Asian shares mostly rose on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as investors were encouraged by another rally on Wall Street and awaited decisions from the Bank of Japan and the U.S. Federal Reserve on interest rates. Meanwhile, trading on the Indonesia stock exchange was suspended temporarily due to a sharp decline in the benchmark JSX.

Russia has permanently banned nine Japanese citizens, including Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, from entering the country in retaliation for Japan's sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. This follows similar measures taken against other countries, including the U.S. and Canada, as Moscow employs entry bans as a tactic against those who oppose its military campaign in Ukraine.

iR Fresh, a groundbreaking technology developed by the Shikoku Research Institute in Japan, utilizes near-infrared light to preserve the freshness of fruits and vegetables, extending shelf life, reducing spoilage, and minimizing the need for pesticides. This innovative approach holds immense potential for revolutionizing food preservation and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Global equities rebounded on Tuesday after Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire with Russia, but concerns about the economic impact of U.S. tariffs continued to weigh on sentiment. The S&P 500 gained 0.2% after suffering its biggest one-day drop this year on Monday, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.45%.

Japan deported 17 asylum seekers under a new law that allows for the deportation of those whose refugee applications have been rejected twice. The new law also includes a supplementary protection certification program for those fleeing nations engaged in warfare, which granted long-term resident status to over 1,600 individuals in 2024.