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The ruling coalition and opposition Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) have agreed on education and social welfare policies, including free senior high school education and lower social insurance premiums, paving the way for the passage of the fiscal 2025 budget. This agreement is crucial as the ruling coalition lacks a majority in the Lower House and requires support from opposition parties to pass legislation.

U.S. investor Artisan Partners has openly disagreed with Seven & i Holdings' CEO succession decision, calling for the company to reconsider a significant takeover proposal. This opposition arises after Seven & i appointed Stephen Dacus as the new CEO and declined Couche-Tard's $47 billion purchase offer.

Seven & i Holdings, the Japanese operator of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, has announced a change of CEO and plans to restructure its business in the face of a $47 billion foreign takeover bid. Stephen Dacus, lead outside director, will succeed Ryuichi Isaka as chief executive on May 27, marking the first time a foreign executive will be in charge of Seven & i.

The Lower House approved Japan's largest-ever initial budget totaling 115.1978 trillion yen after significant adjustments to accommodate demands from the opposition Nippon Ishin party. Despite ongoing political scandals and controversial issues, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration secured vital bipartisan cooperation to ensure the budget's enactment.

The Japanese government is considering legislation to publicly name AI companies involved in serious human rights infringements, avoiding fines or criminal penalties to prevent hindering innovation. Experts debate the effectiveness of this naming strategy, as some call for stronger enforcement measures.