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Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba apologized for giving 100,000 yen ($670) gift certificates to 15 newly elected Lower House members, claiming it was a personal gesture of appreciation and not a violation of the Political Fund Control Law. However, the opposition parties remained unconvinced, viewing the gifts as political donations and demanding a delay in the passage of the fiscal 2025 budget until the matter is resolved.

Nissan conducted experiments with self-driving cars on city roads in Yokohama, aiming to develop transportation services using autonomous driving technologies within three years. The company plans to increase the number of self-driving cars and start transportation services in several municipalities as early as fiscal 2027.

Plant factories are gaining popularity in Japan as a way to grow vegetables indoors, regardless of the weather. These factories use artificial lighting and carefully controlled environments to produce high-quality vegetables year-round, offering a promising solution for urban areas with limited farmland and contributing to a more sustainable food system.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to raise tariffs on a wide range of products, warning of potential harm to the American and global economies. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also expressed concern and said Japan would consider all options, including countermeasures, to protect its national interests.

Opposition leaders in Japan are demanding Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's explanation for giving gift certificates to rookie lawmakers, arguing it violated the Political Fund Control Law and further damaged the LDP's image. The controversy has sparked calls for Ishiba's resignation and cast a shadow over the ongoing Upper House budget deliberations.