News

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 bans on 13 other Japanese nationals in July 2024, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two countries.

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.