News

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hosted a private dinner for 15 first-time LDP lawmakers, offering advice and sparking controversy with 100,000 yen gift certificates. The dinner served as an opportunity for the new members to connect with the Prime Minister and receive guidance on their roles within the party.

Japan successfully launched the Michibiki No. 6 satellite on February 2nd, marking a significant step towards achieving independent satellite navigation and enhancing smartphone location accuracy. This launch represents the fourth consecutive success for the H3 rocket, solidifying its growing reliability and potential in the global market.

Hyundai and General Motors are close to finalizing a deal for Hyundai to share two electric commercial van models with GM, while also discussing potential collaborations on pickup trucks, computing chips, batteries, and SUVs. This partnership aims to reduce costs and speed up development in the face of rising competition from Chinese EV makers and a global chip shortage.

Nissan tested self-driving cars on city roads in Yokohama, aiming to develop transportation services using autonomous driving technologies within three years. The company plans to increase the number of self-driving cars and start transportation services in multiple municipalities as early as fiscal 2027.

The Japanese government has begun releasing its massive stockpile of rice to combat soaring prices, with the surplus expected to hit supermarket shelves as early as the end of March. The move comes as a welcome relief for shoppers who have been struggling with the record-high cost of the staple food.