News

Japan and Britain, concerned about U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats, pledged to promote free and open international trade during their first "two-plus-two" dialogue on economy. The ministers also agreed to collaborate on WTO discussions and support the clean energy transition in developing countries.

A new weighted sleep mask developed by FLH Inc. and Yamagata University promotes deeper sleep during short naps by applying gentle pressure around the eyes. Clinical studies confirm its effectiveness in increasing non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, making it a valuable tool for busy individuals seeking to maximize rest during short breaks.

Japan sent a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in February, a move seen as a response to China's growing military presence in the region. The destroyer also participated in a joint exercise with the United States, Australia, and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Rengo leader Tomoko Yoshino urged the LDP to pass legislation allowing separate surnames for married couples, sparking surprise and highlighting the growing pressure on the issue. This move comes as the LDP seeks to gain support from labor unions and undermine its political rivals ahead of the Upper House elections.

Nissan is testing its self-driving technology on the streets of Yokohama, aiming to catch up with competitors like Google's Waymo and address the nation's shrinking population and driver shortage. The technology, currently at Level Two with remote monitoring, plans to reach Level Four (no human involvement) by 2029 or 2030.