Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi met with Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki to discuss concerns about sexual assaults by U.S. military personnel and the return of land south of Kadena Air Base to Japanese control. Tamaki demanded stronger preventative measures against sexual violence and emphasized the heavy burden Okinawa bears in hosting the U.S. military.
Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida resigns after the company reported disappointing financial results and the collapse of merger talks with Honda. Ivan Espinosa, currently the company's chief planning officer with extensive experience in product planning and electric vehicles, will take over as CEO on April 1st.
Starbucks is reaching out to older customers in Japan by offering hands-on barista experiences and hosting early morning radio exercise sessions in its store parking lots. These initiatives aim to create a welcoming environment for seniors and expand the company's customer base beyond its traditional young demographic.
The LDP's decision to field Mio Sugita in the Upper House election has sparked backlash due to her history of discriminatory remarks, with party members and the public expressing concerns about her candidacy. Despite calls for self-reflection and a fuller explanation, the final decision on her suitability rests with voters in the upcoming election.
Canadian company Couche-Tard remains determined to acquire Seven & i Holdings, despite the Japanese convenience store chain's rejection of its initial offer. Couche-Tard emphasizes its pursuit of a friendly transaction and promises to retain local management, while Seven & i focuses on boosting its own value and addressing antitrust concerns.