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Trade minister Yoji Muto's trip to Washington failed to secure assurances from the U.S. that Japan would be exempt from tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Despite emphasizing Japan's economic contributions to the U.S., Muto only gained "some understanding" from U.S. officials and will continue to make Japan's case in future discussions.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has indicated that the government will revise its draft budget for fiscal 2025 to secure support from the opposition Nippon Ishin party. The revisions include lifting income restrictions on government financial assistance to high school students and providing free lunches at elementary schools.

The stock market rallied on Wednesday after President Trump temporarily pulled back on some tariffs, raising hopes that a full-blown trade war could be avoided. However, uncertainty remains as Trump has not retracted all tariffs and the recent string of weaker-than-expected economic reports has raised concerns about "stagflation.

Japan's government has decided not to attend the upcoming anti-nuclear weapons meeting at the United Nations, citing concerns about nuclear deterrence and the need for disarmament under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. This decision has drawn criticism from hibakusha survivors, youth groups, and local officials in Hiroshima, who urge the government to reconsider its stance and join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Alimentation Couche-Tard's founder, Alain Bouchard, believes his company's $47 billion offer for Seven & I could be improved if the Japanese firm were more cooperative and shared more financial information. However, Seven & I remains skeptical and has laid out a restructuring plan as an alternative to the takeover.