Opposition lawmakers are urging Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to clarify the details surrounding undisclosed political funds within the largest party faction, which was once led by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Testimonies indicate that former education minister Hakubun Shimomura reportedly ordered a resumption of questionable financial practices within the faction, despite his denial.
A sociable ocean sunfish at the Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan, fell into distress after the aquarium closed for renovations, but perked up after staff set up human cutouts to simulate visitors. The sunfish, known for its friendly nature, resumed eating and stopped rubbing its head against the tank, demonstrating the importance of human interaction for animals.
Asian markets took a hit on Tuesday, February 24, 2025, as anxieties over the escalating trade friction between the United States and China cast a shadow over investor confidence. This downturn in Asian markets followed a negative trend in U.S. stocks on Monday, February 23, 2025, further amplifying concerns about the potential economic impact of the ongoing trade dispute.
Seven & i Holdings Co. faces an uncertain future after a failed management buyout attempt, with concerns that it must enhance its value to avoid a potential takeover by Canadian rival Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. The company's predicament has prompted calls for a viable strategy to increase its corporate value and protect the Japanese convenience store industry from potential disruption.
Japan and Britain, the world's fourth and sixth-largest economies, pledged to promote free and open international trade during their first "two-plus-two" dialogue on the economy, held in Tokyo on March 7th. The ministers also discussed collaboration on WTO reforms and supporting the clean energy transition in developing countries.