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Hokkaido's land prices are skyrocketing, particularly in tourist areas like Kutchan, driven by foreign demand for vacation homes and hotels. The surge in tourism has also led to a shortage of housing for workers, prompting companies like Tokyu Fudosan Holdings to build dormitories for corporate clients.

The Japanese government has approved a bill introducing stricter regulations on artificial intelligence, aiming to prevent harmful applications that violate human rights, spread misinformation, or break laws. This move reflects a global trend towards regulating AI to mitigate its potential negative impacts while promoting its responsible development and application.

Opposition leader Yuichiro Tamaki sparked controversy by suggesting that foreigners should not be eligible for medical fee caps under the national health insurance program, despite data showing minimal impact on the system. His remarks have ignited a debate on balancing access to healthcare with financial sustainability, while avoiding discriminatory policies.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed concerns about the new U.S. tariffs on automobiles, outlining measures to mitigate the impact on businesses and expressing his intention to continue urging the United States to exclude Japan from the tariffs. He also apologized for his recent actions that drew criticism and caused a drop in support for the Cabinet, stating his commitment to regaining the trust of the public.

Shigeru Iwasaki, a veteran of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and former chief of staff of the Joint Staff, has been appointed as a political affairs consultant to Taiwan's Cabinet for a one-year term. The move, which marks a rare instance of a former high-ranking SDF official joining the Taiwanese administration, is seen as an effort to strengthen security ties between Japan and Taiwan, although it may face resistance from China.