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Opposition leaders in Japan are demanding Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's explanation for giving gift certificates to rookie lawmakers, arguing it violated the Political Fund Control Law and further damaged the LDP's image. The controversy has sparked calls for Ishiba's resignation and cast a shadow over the ongoing Upper House budget deliberations.

Astroscale Japan Inc. successfully approached a piece of space debris at high speed, marking a significant step towards their goal of removing space junk from Earth's orbit by the end of March 2028. The company also plans to develop technologies for refueling satellites in the future, aiming to provide a comprehensive "space road service.

The Japanese government began releasing its massive stockpile of emergency rice on March 18th to combat soaring prices, with the first round of bidding seeing major organizations win approximately 140,000 tons of rice at a lower price than the market rate. This move is expected to stabilize prices and bring relief to consumers struggling with the high cost of the staple food.

The Bank of Japan's decision to maintain interest rates reflects a cautious approach amidst growing global economic uncertainties, particularly regarding the impact of U.S. trade policies under the Trump administration. While the central bank anticipates future rate hikes as prices rise, the current decision underscores its commitment to carefully assess the evolving economic landscape before taking further action.

The Yuki-Hime, a "smart sea bus," successfully completed a test cruise in Japan, showcasing advancements in autonomous navigation technology for the maritime industry. This technology aims to address labor shortages and safety concerns, with the goal of fully automated, unmanned vessels in the future.