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Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hosted a private dinner for 15 first-time ruling party lawmakers on March 3rd at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. The dinner, which started at 6:33 p.m. and lasted for a little over two hours, sparked controversy due to Ishiba's gift certificates to the lawmakers and his denial of the event being a political activity.

Asian markets displayed a mixed performance on Friday, with Chinese markets declining for a second day while Japan and Korea saw modest gains. Wall Street's roller coaster ride continued amidst uncertainty surrounding President Trump's policies and the potential impact of the trade war on the economy.

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 joint attendance signifies reconciliation and highlights the ongoing cooperation between the two countries, which once fought a bloody battle on the island.

Nissan has appointed Ivan Espinosa, currently the company's chief planning officer, as its new CEO, effective April 1, 2024. Espinosa, who has extensive experience in product development and strategy, will succeed Makoto Uchida, who is stepping down after facing pressure due to declining earnings and the collapse of merger talks with Honda.

Opposition parties in Japan are demanding answers from the LDP over the Abe faction's practice of returning excess fundraising money to lawmakers, allegedly resumed at the instruction of former education minister Hakubun Shimomura. This practice, which involved unreported funds, has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the LDP.