News

East Japan Railway Co. is converting an E3 series Shinkansen into a freight-only train, marking the nation's first dedicated bullet train for cargo transport. This service is expected to launch this autumn between Tokyo and Morioka, offering faster and smoother transportation for goods like precision equipment and high-end fresh fish.

US stocks rebounded on Wednesday after President Trump temporarily suspended some tariffs, sparking hope that a full-blown trade war could be avoided. The market's positive turn came after Trump announced a one-month exemption for US automakers from tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, following discussions with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's approval rating rose after his summit with President Trump, with 40% of respondents approving of his performance and 50% viewing the summit positively. However, the cabinet's approval rating remains below the disapproval rating, with 44% disapproving of the government's performance.

Japan's average condominium price surpassed 60 million yen for the first time in 2024, marking the eighth consecutive annual record high amid climbing construction and labor costs. Despite the overall rise, condominium sales volumes decreased nationwide, with Tokyo's central wards experiencing a slight decline in average prices.

Canada's convenience store operator, Alimentation Couche-Tard, is exploring a potential sale of some of its U.S. stores to address antitrust concerns related to its bid for Japan's Seven & i Holdings. Despite Couche-Tard's confidence in regulatory approval, Seven & i opposes the acquisition, citing significant antitrust barriers, and has appointed a foreign CEO to help counter the takeover bid.